Out of the Box for Life

Warren Berland, Ph.D., LCSW

231 West 29th St., Suite 301, New York, NY 10001, 212/645-5332 wjberland@msn.com

Signs You Are in the Box
Practice sheet # 1

The first step to getting out of the box is to recognize that you are in it. Many thoughts and feelings are sure signs that you are in the box. For example, if you are feeling hopeless, fearful, anxious, or self-critical, it is pretty clear that you are in the box. When you have these feelings, you may experience being stuck, and unsure of yourself or your future. Begin to list those feelings and attitudes that usually accompany being in the box.

In the Box
Example:
1. Fear
2. Most of my anger
3. Worry
4. Self-doubt
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10.

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Signs You Are Out of the Box
Practice sheet # 2

Warren Berland, Ph.D., LCSW
59 West 19th St., Suite 4D, New York, NY 10011, 212/645-5332
wjberland@msn.com

Knowing how it feels to be out of the box allows you to return to that place whenever you want. For example, if you are feeling a sense of freedom, possibility, hope, or joy, or you are taking steps that are moving you ahead in your life, you are probably out of the box. Take a few minutes to compile your own description of this state. Ask yourself, "If I were out of the box right now, how would I feel? How would I see life?" Then list those feelings and attitudes.

Out of the Box
Example:
1. A sense of freedom
2. A feeling of compassion toward others
3. Feeling confident
4. A sense of wonder about life
5. Acting in the face of fear
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10.