Ostriches, it is said, hide their heads in the sand when confronted by fear and trauma. This is not so, they lie down very close to the ground
so it appears they have their heads down. The Ostrich Syndrome or Ostrich mentality is an avoidance coping, which is used to handle
uncomfortable feelings that may be experienced in different situations. The ostrich syndrome has distinctive features: anxieties and fears,
depression, frustration, and procrastination, all draining time and resources and offering nothing of real value in return. Avoidance is a form
of non-acceptance of life. The change process contains 2 major parts:
Awareness and recognising the issue, by identifying the feelings you are avoiding and
Purposeful action
a. Change your mind talk – ask different questions, create new thoughts and visualise new possibilities
b. Daily Journaling, write a letter to yourself, get a quote of the day and work on it
c. Name the things that have given your trauma throughout your life, feel sadness from past events
d. Make amends today where you have been responsible – write a letter or call and talk, make apologises
e. Let Go of Obsessing over past events – Give yourself a break – even murders get a chance for parole
f. Internal self-flagellation impacts on your mental health, your self-esteem and your confidence
g. Self-condemnation destroys relationships, family connections and friendships – leaving you with more regrets tomorrow
h. Stop retraumatizing yourself by nurturing negativity about yourself and others
i. Calm your mind through practicing Mindful Meditation and above all Be Gentle on Yourself
“He who spends time regretting the past loses the present and risks the future.” By Francisco de Quevedo
We cannot determine what may happen to us in our lives. We cannot look back in hindsight and say we did things wrong. Every decision we
make every moment, every hour, every day is made with the best intensions& the health we have at the time. Regret is debilitating however
it is also a choice. Everything in life is a choice. You can choose to be burdened in regret and guilt or you can decide to make a change by
choosing happiness. Find the determination and strength to do the work, clear out the past regret and hurt which will lead to path of peace
and serenity in the present. YOU must be willing to do the work to achieve a different outcomes.
Every day in regret is a day not lived. Give yourself the same compassion you would hope you show to others. Living in regret is difficult for
you and tragic for those who love you. Focus on the life you want now – including love, friendship, happiness peace and serenity – Above all
be BRAVE…. Emotions don’t arise from situations.
They arise from what we tell ourselves about the situation, so question what you’re telling yourself.
Our Clients are Our Focus and Your Health is our Concern
Incorporate HOPE into your life Today
Peta Zafir (Owner and Head Therapist)
