I have been dealing with impulsive
behaviors lately. An impulse is like having an itch you have to scratch. It
only gets relieved by giving into it. People think we can just stop but it is
almost impossible when the impulse comes.
I have been having impulses to throw
things, flip light switches, spit, or request tickles. It is awful. I know it
is rude and inappropriate and yet I cannot stop myself. I feel horrible when I
cause trouble for others and myself. I feel anxious when I am having impulsive
feelings. I feel I might cause a scene. Sometimes I do. One time I flipped a
switch many times causing my classroom to have a strobe light ambience. Another
time I threw my socks and shoes in class and had to leave the class.
I know I am hindering my chances to be
more included when I act like this. Part of getting out of an impulsive loop is
reminding myself what the consequences are to my actions. I also should take
responsibility for my actions. I should pick up the things I throw. I should
apologize for spitting and disruptive behavior. I should take some time to
think about how my actions affect others.
Peace comes when I don’t give into an
impulse. Like scratching an itch, giving into impulses always makes things
worse. Learning to quiet impulses by purposeful alternative actions is my goal.
I have given myself a motor plan of rubbing my hands together when impulsive
thoughts start. I have been practicing at school. I am doing a lot better since
I started this. I hope my learning to
control impulses can help others like me.
Relaxing in my "Space Explorer"
Copyright 2016 Philip Reyes. All rights reserved.