The Walter Mitty In All of Us

Posted on January 8, 2014 by drbrooks

I remember watching Danny Kaye in the original “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” movie back when I was a kid. It had been out 30 years already, but it was a great movie. It was funny and in a way and described the life of many of my friends while growing up. We all like to day dream about being a sports super hero or someone famous but some of the people we know take it to extremes. Do you day dream? Do you pretend to save the world while watching an action movie? I think we all do a little of that from time to time. We just don’t admit to it. Here’s a little history on the Walter Mitty we have seen in movies.

Walter Mitty is a fictional character in James Thurber’s story “The secret life of Walter Mitty.” Mitty is a meek mild man with all kinds of vivid fantasies that carry him through life. Let’s face it, I think we all can identify with this fictional character in one way or another. For most of us when we were children we fantasized about being an astronaut, cowboy, fireman, dancer, actresses, professional ball players.

Happy Nerdy 60s Game Show Host Giving 2 Thumbs Up

Heck, I can remember in junior high pretending to be Audie Murphy saving the lives of my company fighting the Germans. I saw a movie about him and how he earned the Medal of Honor for his heroics in world war two. I played army in our back yard. The layout was perfect, downed trees, high grass, plenty of room to run and hide. I would race from tree to tree dodging the make believe bullets coming my way. Even as adults we are kids in our thinking at times.

I have sat in my office and heard the horrible stories of people struggling with all kinds of cancers. We all have people we know and love pass from this disease. My parents, sister and many friends have died from cancer. There has been times at the end of my day when I sit back in my office chair and day dream about seeing people cured of cancer. What if I could be the one who found that cure? How many lives would be changed for the better? It’s a humble thought, is it realistic of course not. I’m not a bio chemist, scientist, nor do I have the patience to work long hours in a lab. We all have seen the advances in cancer research. It’s amazing what has been accomplished. I wonder how many Walter Mitty’s as children, dreamed about being a scientist and have helped discover some of the cures for cancer we see today!

There are adult Walter Mitty’s we know of who have become dreamers and inventers. You have Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Madam Curie, all dreamers who didn’t stop at dreaming as adults but put into action and made their dreams come true. There are those men and women who really believe they can make a difference in others lives. Can you admit that you have had these aspirations in making the world a better place while dreaming about them?

On the more serious side there are those who really live in a dream world and live a fantasy life filled with disappointment and sadness . We see them believing in some of the unrealistic feats they have shared with us. These events may be humorous to us but there is a darker side to this way of thinking. In the movies you have seen Walter Mitty never triumphs, several of his fantasies are always being interrupted before he sees a favorable outcome. Do we have people who live in this kind of world? Yes we do. These folks do have brief checks of reality and then slide back into their world of make believe events. The people are deemed or referred to as ineffectual dreamers.

Which one are you? Do you have Walter Mitty dreams as an adult that are a temporary release for you? Or do you have Walter Mitty dreams and never accomplish goals and tasks because you keep living in the pretend world that you create? I see nothing wrong with day dreaming, we all do it. I think we all can relate to dreaming about winning the lotto. How would that feel? Paying off all your bills, your mortgage, your car. I think when we hear about powerball hitting 500 million dollars it brings some excitement to most of those who buy powerball tickets.

In closing, I had a friend of mine who really believed that he would marry his favorite actress. He wrote her, sent flowers, had her pictures all over his office walls. He spoke of her as if he was actually dating her. He was smitten with her in a big way. Most of his friends thought he was off the deep end. They started avoiding him after the business lunches were all about her. He was so consumed that he lost his job, his home and most of his friends. He got help and years of counseling for his obsession. Today he is a regular guy who is married and has a family. He just didn’t realize how bad he had the Walter Mitty syndrome.

Do you have trouble in reaching your goals? Do you day dream about your future and need help in making realistic goals. Does your future scare you? If you answered yes to any of these problems contact Dr. Mike at 303.456.0555 he can help you.

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The Power and Poison of the Tongue (2)

Posted on December 30, 2013 by drbrooks

How many of you have said something that you regret? I will be the first to raise my hand to let you know that I have and kicked myself for it. Many of us say poisonous things out of anger to our spouses, children, family members and co-workers. Words have destroyed friendships and even marital relationships. I’m sure we all have seen lifetime relationships end because of something that was said. I know of several broken friendships that have ended over unkind words. I often see offended people in my office with tears streaming down their face, asking for advice on how to repair a fractured relationship. Sometimes it’s too late and the damage is done; however, more often than not, these fractured relationships can be restored with a little hard work and determination.

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We will continue on with this week’s article on “The Power and Poison of the Tongue” – Part 2.

Disrespectful words. This is another area where people get hurt. For example, I have heard many comments about someone’s weight. I have a client who is very critical about the women he dates and their weight issues and has caused them great pain. Another example is parents who tell me about their children weeping over remarks said by fellow students about their appearance. Be extremely careful what you say about someone’s physical appearance. In some cases, these people have no control over their height or body build. Say nothing disrespectful or unflattering and you will keep yourself out of trouble. As the old saying goes, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it!”

Using comparisons. Growing up, my sister used to hear my mother say, “Why can’t you be more like your brother? He gets good grades and studies.” I have to say, my sister was one who didn’t care about grades or going to college. I know it hurt her as she told me when we were adults that she didn’t like our mother comparing us. Even my teachers compared my sister to me. They could not believe we were siblings because we were so different from each other. Sometimes a husband will compare his wife to his friend’s wives who do things he wishes his wife would do for him. “Jim’s wife has a dessert after each evening meal, why don’t you?” Or, “Dave’s wife works out every day at the gym, brings home a six-figure income and keeps a sparkling clean house. Why can’t you?” This can cause discourse in a marriage by comparing spouses. So don’t go there. Sit down and talk to your spouse about the needs that you may have and don’t compare someone else’s spouse to get your way. Be up front and honest.

Of these, which do you feel you struggle the most with? If you struggle with unkind words you need to stop and consider the damage these words can do. Think about this, how many of these poisonous words have been spoken in your marriage, friendships or work relationships? If they have, there needs to be some relationship repairs.

Go to the people you have offended and apologize for the things you have said. This will go a long way in making things right. If you both have said poisonous words to each other then ask forgiveness from each other. This helps repair the damage that has been done in your marriage, family relationships and friendships.

As I mentioned last week, taste the words you speak before you say them. This will keep you out of hot water. Think about what you will say and the reason you are saying it. If it’s out of anger then be very slow to speak and look at the effect your words will have. Choose your words carefully.

If you have a problem with saying words that are poison then get some help in planning on how to stop causing people heartache. It will be one of the best investments you will ever make in yourself and the loved ones in your life. If you can’t fix your broken relationship get help if you need it. Make a promise to yourself that you will stop this destructive behavior.

“I had killed our careful relationship by driving my tongue through its heart and pushing it off a cliff.” Jeff Lindsay

A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens can fester forever. –Jessamyn West (1902 – 1984) US author

A man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by his words. –Phillips Brooks

Speak softly. It is far better to rule by love than fear./ Speak softly. Let no harsh words mar the good we may do here. –Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748) English minister

Talking much is a sign of vanity, for the one who is lavish with words is cheap in deeds. –Sir Walter Raleigh (1552 – 1618) English navigator, historian, courtier

In closing, I see many couples in my office who have beaten each other up from poison in the words that can never be taken back and leaving lifelong scars of sadness, despair and brokenness. If you need help in managing this problem, contact Dr. Mike at 303.456.0555

Do you regret the words that you have spoken and want help restoring a broken relationship? Do you need to apologize to co-workers or loved ones and need help in offering a sincere apology? Would you like to get help for the hurts you have caused others and to stop your destructive behavior? If you said yes to any of these questions give Dr. Mike a call and set up an appointment today.

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The Power and Poison of the Tongue – Part 1

Posted on December 23, 2013 by drbrooks

I was standing in line waiting for a bus to pick me up from the airport to take me to my parked car. While in line, there were two young women talking about one of their friends who was just a few feet in front of them. Everyone within earshot heard them complain about how lazy she was, didn’t wear the right kind of clothes and how she was always late for work. They had no idea how negative they sounded.

Human tongue

As we boarded the bus, they sat in the back row and continued on with their gossiping and running down of this person. I have to say, several of us were just trying to mind our own business, looking up at the ceiling or down at the floor of the bus, but it didn’t seem to work. They got louder as the bus sped up on the highway. The attack and lack of concern about those of us listening in on their conversation was amazing! I wanted to say something to them but felt out of place doing so.

Have you been hurt by someone who said something about you behind your back? Or maybe they said it to your face. Was it a comment that was directed to you by a friend or family member? Perhaps a stranger who was having a bad day took it out on you? I think many people have no idea what their words sound like before they say them. I advise my clients to “taste” their words before they say them. If they don’t “taste” good, then don’t say it! Have you ever said something and just as you said it you think, “Oh my goodness, did I just say that?!” You can’t take back the words once they have been spoken. Unfortunately, the negative reaction is about to take place. Good, bad or indifferent, you know you said something without thinking. Why do we do this to the ones we care about and love?

Let’s look at the areas where we get ourselves into trouble. How about those of you who use sarcasm? “Hey, if you don’t know how to spell a word go look it up, I’m not your dictionary.” Or, “I washed the dishes last night. Who do you think I am, your housekeeper? Do them yourself.” “Pick up your clothes! They won’t wash themselves, you know.” This type of sarcasm is the result of underlining issues that need to be addressed. They can be relationship killers if not put in check.

It makes little difference how many university courses or degrees a person may own. If one cannot use words to move an idea from one point to another, his education is incomplete. —Norman Cousins

It takes so little to make people happy. Just a touch, If we know how to give it, just a word fitly spoken, a slight readjustment of some bolt or pin or bearing in the delicate machinery of a soul. –Frank Crane

Kind words will unlock an iron door. –Kurdish Proverb

Do you regret the words that you have spoken and want help restoring a broken relationship? Do you need to apologize to co-workers or loved ones and need help in offering a sincere apology? Would you like to get help for the hurts you have caused others and to stop your destructive behavior? If you said yes to any of these questions, give Dr. Mike a call and set up an appointment today.

I see many couples in my office who have beaten each other up from the poison in the words that they have used on each other. Words that can never be taken back and leave lifelong scars of sadness, despair and brokenness. If you need help in managing this problem that many face contact Dr. Mike at 303.456.0555

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Averting Divorce During The Holidays

Posted on December 9, 2013 by drbrooks

Averting Divorce During the Holidays

Down for the holidays

Down for the holidays

Believe it or not this is the season where divorce runs high. During the holidays and up to Valentine’s Day, more people ask for a divorce than any other time during the year. Why is that, you may ask? There are many reasons why.

During the course of the year, many couples work outside the home and are busy living their own lives. Outside of their work and careers, they stay preoccupied with hobbies, friends, sports and electronics. Busy schedules keep couples from interacting with each other and building a strong marriage.

Many develop new friendships at their place of work and during the process, use the new friendships to fill in the gap for what is lacking from their marriage. Though most do not engage in sexual relations outside of marriage, many supplant their spouse with friends who fulfill the need for communication and social interaction.

A typical scenario can be one where both spouses return home from a long day at work and are too busy or too tired to have one-on-one conversations.  Sometimes, while at dinner or while watching television they may find themselves talking about co-workers, events at the office or how busy it’s have been with the kids. After a time, it becomes uncomfortable talking about one another’s needs and that leads to stress in the relationship.

For some couples, either the wife or husband may see their spouse in a different light if they have not connected with each other over the past several months and will distance themselves from the other more and more each day. Then, a new and bigger problem has been created.  The neglected spouse notices their partner has changed in some way, but they’re just not sure what it is. They start to look for their partner’s faults and begin to focus on them. The things they once adored and appreciated have become detestable and irritations. The long talks they enjoyed are now short one-word responses. Somewhere along the way, both have lost that loving feeling.

At this point, one or the other may decide these are reasons to separate or divorce.  Some will seek out friends for advice about getting a divorce. The spouse who wants to leave the marriage will process their friend’s advice and may justify their reasons to leave the marriage and move on with their life. If you suspect that your marriage is in trouble don’t wait!  Now is the time to save your marriage. It’s time to be proactive!

Unfortunately, this is a busy time of year for me. My phone rings off the hook from those who want to save their marriage but have no idea what they should do or where to start. Don’t panic! You need to look at realistic ideas that can save your marriage.  Following are a few suggestions to help you put some zest back into your marriage and possibly save it from destruction:

•    Avoid arguments during the holidays.
•    Don’t be a nit-pick, i.e. nag, whine, or force your agenda.
•    Encourage each other with complements and avoid sarcasm.
•    Plan something fun. Go to dinner, the movies, museums, etc. and have fun.
•    Have a date night with just you and your spouse without the kids.
•    Have a time where of you both sit down and talk without interruptions.  Turn off cell phones, the TV, etc.  and focus on each other.
•    Cook a meal together and share responsibilities in preparing and clean up.
•    Put the kids to bed and slow dance to a candle-lit room and sweet talk while dancing.
•    Surprise your spouse with a small gift from the grocery store (nothing expensive but something they will appreciate).

All these are easy to do so if you feel you’re starting to feel distance, then try these tips. Taking action and growing a healthy relationship is a matter of just doing it. Someone has to take the first step and it might as well as be you!

In building a healthy relationship both parties must contribute to the process to make it happen. Both need to be creative and enjoy your time together. Make it a point to have a date night and communicate what you want and need from each other in your relationship. I can tell you that the clients I see in my office, tell me that silence can certainly contribute to a failing marriage.

In my opinion, lack of communication is the number one reason for divorce worldwide. When you don’t talk to one another, no one knows what the other is thinking. Someone may start making assumptions about the other partner and it’s downhill from there. Communication is one of the easiest fixes in a marriage and can be enjoyable as you both learn better communication skills.

In closing if you need help in building a better marriage or want to prevent a divorce, now is the time to do it. Don’t wait for the perfect time. There is no perfect time. The sooner you work on it the better.

If you marriage is in serious trouble and you’re ready to do what it takes to save it, then call for a free complementary 20 minute consultation with Dr. Mike at 303.456.0555.

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Do You Want Hope In Saving Your Marriage?

Posted on November 22, 2013 by drbrooks

There is always hope if you’re willing to fight for your marriage

“Dr. Mike, you have no idea what I am going through. There is so much pain. Nobody can help me! I can’t sleep and I can’t eat. I can’t focus on my job. I am consumed by the possibility that my marriage may be ending and I don’t want it to end. I want to save it. How can I do that?”  I listened on the phone to my client who was having a really bad day.  She was in meltdown out of fear of losing her husband. I get the same kind calls from men who want to save their marriage.

Unwittingly, there are several things we may do as spouses that can drive our partner away. When men and women are hurting, they say and do things that can drive a wedge between each other.

Groveling, pleading, clinging and begging are big ones.  Non-stop talking is another. Bartering is also damaging to relationships. And, not allowing time and space for healing is another. If you are having difficulty figuring these things out, call me and make an appointment. I can help you stop doing the damage that is preventing you from saving your marriage. Those of you who are experiencing the possibility of losing your marriage take heed in what I am telling you. If you continue to try to fix your marriage by yourself without help you can severely damage any chances of reconciliation. Don’t delay getting help. The sooner you start working on saving your marriage, the better.

Here are my quick tips to start the healing process. These are just a few but they work.

  •  Don’t argue in front of your children
  • Avoid questioning and accusing your spouse
  • Don’t use assumptions when talking with your spouse
  • Don’t interrupt while they are speaking, learn to listen
  • Learn forgiveness for yourself and your partner
  • Know when to walk away from a heated discussion
  • Keep your children out of your disagreements (find a place to talk)
  • Work on better communication
  • If you’re wrong, admit it (put the pride away)

It’s really easy to forget what the issues are when in a heated argument. Stick to the talking points. Don’t poison your talk with hurtful words, accusations, historical events that took place over a year ago. If you have a bad habit of doing any of these things, STOP! You both need to be healthy for each other and you need to learn how to be healthy.

I can teach you how to be healthy so your spouse can see that you are making changes for yourself and willing to work on the marriage. A little change can go a long way. If you continue on improving the way you communicate, act towards him/her, on being a marriage partner instead of a roommate, a loving and caring spouse, then there is hope for your marriage. If you want to save your marriage, it has to start with you. Are you ready and willing to take the next steps? Are you willing to invest in your marriage, yourself and your spouse? Take the next step and contact Dr. Mike for a free 20 minute complementarity phone call to see if he can help you.

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What It Means To Hit Rock Bottom (5)

Posted on November 18, 2013 by drbrooks

When I finally hit rock bottom with my health and career, there were times I wanted others to help me fix some of the problems that I created for myself. I wanted them to call bill collectors and tell them how sick I was and to leave me alone. Finally, I made the decision to take care of this myself and faced reality that it was I who was really in control.  Remember, you do not have to stay at rock bottom. You have to take that first step and start climbing out.

Find someone who can help you move on with your life!

In the early stages of regaining control of your life, avoid people who are making excuses for your stay at the bottom. Stay away from them!  They can and will cause you to think in a negative way and encourage a perpetual “pity party.” Some of the excuses you may hear.

  • It’s not your fault this happened.
  • Wait till it blows over.
  • Don’t do anything right now.
  • This is no big deal…time will fix it.
  • You bare no responsibility at all.
  • If I were you, I would sue.
  • Why worry?  It’s really nothing to get upset about.

If there’s one thing I have learned over the years counseling, most people in this day and age don’t want to take responsibility for their actions. We are convinced it’s someone else’s fault and not ours. Well folks, that usually is not the case. If we messed up, then we should take ownership and responsibility and make things right. That is a big step in getting out of the bottom of the barrel. Yes it may be hard and your pride will need an adjustment once you come clean, but how you will feel afterwards is priceless.

I tell my clients who have been stranded at rock bottom that it’s time to move forward and time to realize that they’re in this mess because somehow they got pulled in. Maybe not because of any action on their part, but nevertheless, they are looking up from the bottom. The million dollar question is, “How does it feel down there?  And are you ready to take the first step toward recovery?”

Do you wrestle with not knowing what to do when confronted by life’s struggles? Are you afraid to move forward because your past mistakes keep holding you back? Do you need help deciding your next steps to get out from rock bottom? If you answered yes to any of these questions then give Dr. Mike a call.

Peace of mind is so critical when getting out from the bottom of the barrel. You want to sleep better at night? Having a game plan will fix that, it helped me emotional, physically and spiritually. Are you willing to do what it takes to climb out of the barrel? If you are I can help you put a plan together to make it happen. Call Dr. Mike and schedule an appointment at 303.456.0555

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When You Hit Rock Bottom (3)

Posted on November 18, 2013 by drbrooks

In the middle of the night I heard that voice again. “Make a plan!” I had a notebook on my nightstand and started to write down what was  on my heart. Here is the list that I came up with:

  • Make a menu that is based on healthy foods, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, fresh baked fish and poultry, nuts and grains, and lots of water and healthy tea.
  • Rest and sleep. Have a regimented time you go to bed. Mine was at 9:30 PM, and I had two 20 minute naps during the day; one in the morning and one mid-afternoon. No TV in the bedroom.
  • Have healthy people in my life – ones who care and want to do something with their lives.
  • Exercise. When I started out I could only walk 15 minutes twice a day. The exercise was a big boost for me because I got to go outside when the weather permitted. Fresh air helped a great deal.
  • Renew my relationship with God. We started talking everyday through praying and getting back into the word again.

I have to tell you these simple steps really turned my life around. I hit rock bottom and was tired being there. My health was gone, my finances were a mess, and I couldn’t work. I started planning my next steps as to what I had to do to upright the ship. It was hard but necessary to move forward. If you’re struggling about what you need to do to regain control of your life, your family and or business just remember you can do it if you know how to plan and work out a step by step process in making changes. This will be very helpful. Yes, it takes time and energy to map out your plan, but in the long run it’s worth it.

I had watched others fail to move forward after they hit rock bottom and I wasn’t going to be one of those victims, and you shouldn’t either. Determination is very important and if you know what your plan is you’re way ahead of the game. I say plan and plan well. You can do this!

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What It Means To Hit Rock Bottom (4)

Posted on November 13, 2013 by drbrooks

 

Don’t let your past hold you down!

Continued from last week. Since then I have regained my health, grown my business, got involved with my church, and feel great where I am at. I will give you my tips for getting yourself out of the bottom of the barrel and they do work!

  • · Realize that once you have hit rock bottom or are headed that way you don’t have to stay there. Nobody can get you out of there except yourself and the help from God.
  • · Ask yourself, how did you end up at rock bottom. By your own hands or by circumstances. What immediate course of action do you need to take to get yourself out. Example are there ties to cut from family and friends? You may continue to loan people money you don’t have to loan and it’s causing you to go into debt and you can’t pay your bills.
  • · Make a plan based on one week, one month, one year as to your next steps and what you need to do to make those happen.
  • · If you need to meet with professional people to help you make that plan, do it! Financial planners, marriage counselors, pastors, lawyers to protect yourself if you’re in legal trouble. You have to make these calls, don’t rely on others to do repairs that you need to make. You will grow from undoing the damage you may have created.
  • · If you have harmed anyone in the process while hitting rock bottom in word or deed, take ownership and do the right thing and make the wrongs right if possible.

These tips work and they have worked for countless people that have been clients of mine. Try a few of them and see for yourself. All it takes is the effort and determination with some sweat to dig yourself out of the bottom. For some it will be scary, for some nerve racking, for others hard work. If you don’t want to be a repeat offender take steps so it doesn’t happen.

I know a lot of people who will not budge or lift a finger to dig themselves out of the hole. They’re like baby’s in a crib. They will tell you they don’t like being there, in fact they will say they want out but take no action. Do you know anyone like that?

Part five will be continued in next week’s article.

Do you struggle with not knowing what to do when confronted by life’s struggles? Are you afraid to move forward because your past mistakes keep holding you back? Do you want help in deciding your next steps to get out from rock bottom? If you answered yes to any of these questions then give Dr. Mike a call.

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What Does It Mean To Hit Rock Bottom? (2)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by drbrooks

What Does It Mean To Hit Rock Bottom?

Continued from last week. I went back to the clinic and started seeing my afternoon patients. Near the end of my patient schedule, the muscles in my legs and lower back began to ache. I thought that maybe I was coming down with flu.  I checked out of the office and started walking across the street to my car.

Rock bottom comes in all shapes, sizes and situations

Then it hit me! It felt like I had been hit over the head with sledge hammer and had a pounding headache. My vision instantly blurred and my muscles ached even more. I drove home and barely made it to the driveway. Shivering all over, I made my way to the sofa. As I lay there, I wondered what was going on with me. I slowly got up and after almost falling on my face, I walked over to the thermostat to turn the heat on high.  After that I crept to the bathroom and lay on the floor by the heating vent.

Six hours later I woke up, still laying on the bathroom floor and still hurting all over.  I managed to get up and drive to the hospital.  When I got to the emergency room I was taken immediately to the patient examination room. They did all kinds of tests and asked lots of questions. Eventually they found out that I had a rare form of food poisoning and was hospitalized for several days. That’s when my downfall started to happen.  It’s when I lost my health and believe me, when that’s gone, you know it. I couldn’t work for several weeks so earning an income was out the door. I couldn’t pay my bills which damaged my good credit rating. My fitness center suffered because I wasn’t able to work with my staff. I felt like giving up. I was at rock bottom. Several weeks later, I woke up with the realization that it was up to me to get out of this mess.

That’s when I heard an inner voice talking to me. “Not so fast Mike!  What about me?” I remembered that still small voice, the one that was always there when I needed direction or encouragement along life’s path. It was the voice I needed to hear.

My future looked bleak and without a game plan for my life I was going to forced down a path I had no control over. Keep in mind,  my health was at rock bottom, I had lost a great deal of weight, was exhausted all the time, rarely got a good night’s sleep and I couldn’t work because of lingering side effects from the food poisoning. I was depressed and in utter despair.

Next week we will continue with part three of “What it Means to Hit Rock Bottom”.

Do you struggle with not knowing what to do when confronted by life’s struggles? Are you afraid to move forward because your past mistakes keep holding you back? Do you need help deciding your next steps to get out from rock bottom? If you answered yes to any of these questions then give Dr. Mike a call at 303.456.0555.

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What Does It Mean To Hit Rock Bottom (1)

Posted on October 14, 2013 by drbrooks

I want you to think over the years how many times have you hit rock bottom and how did you get there? At some point in our lives we will be at the bottom of life looking up. What did you learn while free falling to that point in your life?

Move forward when you’re at rock bottom

Rock bottom should be a learning lesson for all of us who have survived that bad time in our lives. Not everyone survives the fall. Many will die from broken hearts do to loss of a loved one, by divorce or separation, from drug and alcohol abuse, or loss of a job. Let’s just say there are many reasons why some people don’t survive, while others do.

On the other hand, there are those of us who have hit rock bottom and begin to realize we have been given a second opportunity in life. It’s what we do with that opportunity that defines us. I hear stories of people who have had horrible situations happen in their lives. The death of loved ones, the loss of jobs due to health issues, the loss of homes due the bad economy, etc. Yet through the ashes of despair there are many success stories that encourage me. I want to share with you my game plan so that if you hit the bottom there are critical steps you must follow to come out ahead and regain control of your life.

I can remember when I was in the prime of life and everything was going my way. Life was good, family was good, my heath was great, and my outlook on life was bright as could be. I had the world by the tail. I had no complaints whatsoever.

I woke up one morning ready for the day and I called Dave, the manager of a fitness center that I was a part owner of and scheduled a business lunch with him. I had a full day ahead of me with my patients and was looking forward to sitting down with Dave and seeing how the center was doing. As we talked over lunch, he assured me the center was doing very well financially. I was on cloud nine after we left that meeting.

I went back to the clinic and started seeing my afternoon patients. Near the end of my patient schedule I started to get achy muscles in my legs and low back. I thought that maybe I was coming down with something. I checked out of the office and started walking across the street to my car. Check in next week for part two of “what it means to hit rock bottom.”

Do you struggle with not knowing what to do when confronted by life’s struggles? Are you afraid to move forward because your past mistakes keep holding you back? Do you want help in deciding your next steps to get out from rock bottom? If you answered yes to any of these questions then give Dr. Mike a call 303.456.0555.

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