Did I lock My Front Door? | The A&D Diaries

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Have you ever left the house got halfway down the road and had to turn back because you cannot remember if you locked the door? It could be because you were in a rush, were panicking about where you wanted to go, intensely listening to a podcast, being transported by an audiobook, deep in conversation or singing along to your favourite tunes (all of which I am guilty of).

I'm about to give you one of the best pieces of advice I've ever received and how I adapted that into a small fail-safe method, so I can leave the house without fear I have left it unlocked:

I was told to make a checklist of my day in the early recovery of my anxiety and depression, small things such as getting up, getting dressed, brushing my teeth, etc I felt at times as if I had reverted back to early childhood but have overtime adapted this simple tool to help me leave the house without a panic.
I made a to-do list for leaving the house, here's an example list:

- Check plug sockets (eg straighteners, chargers ext) 

- Check windows are shut 

- Check back door
- Lock back door 

- Lock front door 

- Double-check where you put your key

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Over time I narrowed this list down and after a while found it didn't have to use it on a daily basis (but still keep it on my notepad for the days when the panic is real). 

I developed a 3-word exercise to help me remember that I had locked my door and continue my day with ease.

It's a simple mental exercise, I lock my door and say three random words, the weirder the better! The words I used today were: frozen, cream, pixies. Three distinct words, they don't relate to each other in any way and will, therefore, stick in my head when I have that sudden "did I leave the door unlocked" doubt. 

Here are a few other word combinations I've used: 

Flannel, peppercorn, waffles 

Jumbo, dandelion, breath 

Frangipan, mussels, fart 

Freedom, lobster, cotton

I choose the words on the spot at the door and often make myself laugh at some of the odd combinations my mind comes up with. I use a different combination of words anytime I lock the door. 

Give it a try and let me know if it helps.

Instagram/@thebashstyle