All Psyched Up: Where do you live?

By Linda Hancock on March 14, 2026.

When I first started working at Alberta Mental Health, I made a comment in the staff meeting that resulted in raised eyebrows. It was about how our diagnoses seemed to fit into the times of our life where we focus our attention. Let me explain:

1. Past – Those who are constantly thinking about the trauma from previous years without healing or letting go often of it end up in a depression. Thinking about all the things that are long gone, knowing that we cannot change them is not healthy. A cow chews his cud, brings food up and chews again, over and over again.

That is similar to the rumination that depressed people tend to with their negative thoughts. They think about the same issues over and over and over again. I remember one time my mother was upset and asked my uncle what to do. He replied, “Jean do what you do best – worry!”

Worrying is a pointless and draining activity. It’s like being stuck in the mud with no forward movement.

2. Future – If you find yourself saying “What if….?” you are likely experiencing a form of anxiety. People who can think of all the reasons not to travel, or take a chance, to not change jobs or partners can usually give you a huge list of all the things that might go wrong if they just tried.

Unfortunately, as time passes, their world shrinks and shrinks and shrinks. They just stay home by themselves with their angst. Don’t borrow trouble! If something hasn’t happened yet, don’t predict a failure! (And be very cautious about all the news that is being thrown at you about countries you cannot find on a map or individuals who are only in power for a short time).

3. Present – All we have is this very minute. It isn’t always easy to live in the moment. In fact, it can be quite boring unless we make a deliberate effort to do something great. Procrastination means that we don’t want to take mature responsibility for life, so we delay things until “someday”. Better to plan an outing, dress up and wink at yourself in the mirror, make a favourite recipe, listen to inspiring music or rest.

Why is it that when you ask people how they are doing, you usually get a reply that they are soooooo busy?

A rest to many seems to imply that you have to buy tickets on a cruise and fight the dragons to get to port before eating and drinking too much only to come home tired. Rest can and should be done in a quiet place without all the hassle.

People often ask how I get so much done. I am grateful that I have learned to live in the moment – focus on the present. I try to touch a piece of paper only once. I laugh with the strangers I meet in the elevator. We have so many blessings! Think about the blessings you have – instead of what you wish you had.

It’s one day at a time. Not ruminating in the past or dreading the future. If you aren’t happy, perhaps you need to recognize that only you can change that – and it begins right now!

Have an adventure this week and remember to smile while you are enjoying it!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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