50 thoughts on “Yeah but What if?”

  1. Luke says:

    This What if thinking as you call it almost cost me my job! For me personally, it was the 3rd session that changed everything. I had a big fear of failure and the tips you share during that session fit me to a T.

    I have since saved my job and never had a panic attack anymore since starting. I am anxious about once a week now, but that’s OK since I’ve got 9 sessions left to start listening to and the improvements I’ve had those first couple of weeks were immense.

    Keep it up!

  2. Rianna says:

    hahaha, you crack me up every time Geert! Thanks for making me smile EVERY day!

  3. Brandon says:

    I always wonder how you know me so well! We never met, but all you talk about is about me.

    Thanks for sharing this!

  4. Carla says:

    Thank you so much for these uplifting, helpful videos. This one was so true for me. I think “What if” all the time. Now I’ll try to replace it with “So what?” Thanks — you are helping me so much.

  5. Kelley says:

    This totally hits home!!! Thanks a million for always sharing!! PS that movie in English is The Strangers with Liv Tyler. Definitely scary! 🙂

  6. CHRISTINE TRINCA says:

    THANKS GEERT FOR MAKING MY DAY, I AM THAT PERSON YOU TALK ABOUT, WHAT IF! ITS A HARD HABIT TO BREAK, BUT YOU MAKE ALOT OF SENSE, AND IAM GOING TO TRY IT. I HAVE SUFFERED PANIC ATTACKS SINCE IAM PROBABLY ABOUT 10. THANKS FOR YOUR VIDIOS I LOVE THEM.

  7. mary says:

    I would be obliged if you could tell me what to do when you get confused thoughts when you do not know if you are in the past or present, being disorientated, sometimes my anxiety attacks take this form. I love your emails and look forward to seeing them in my inbox, they make so much sense,

  8. randy says:

    ahh thank you soo much geert! all you videos are awesome and make me feel so much better and gain much confidence 🙂

  9. Alex says:

    So what if those crazy Romanians come and kill me tonight, hahaa I love it. You’re so right though, if you can learn to accept the worst possible thing that can happen to you and live with that, you become less afraid. It takes longer for some to get to that point.

  10. Luna says:

    I always would think there was no one that felt the way i felt with my panic attacks and now that i see your videos i feel that iant the only one thank you.

  11. Manuel says:

    Wow this video really helped me a lot! Keep up the good work_ Thanks Geert! this videos make me feel so much better

  12. Ivan says:

    Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge Geert!
    All the talented individuals have shared their gifted abilities. Will never be able to thank you enough for sharing your knowledge.

  13. susan says:

    Thank you so much I cant wait to hear from you again when I read my e-mail your the first I look for every day, you realy open my eyes about my self you are truely God sent.

  14. Diana says:

    Geert, I love watching your videos. I’d rather watch you than sit across a therapist or psychiatrist and pay a $55 co-pay each week when I know he/she doesn’t understand unless you have experienced them they don’t understand they can be empathetic or sympathetic but they haven’t been in your shoes.

    I stuggled with buying this course because financially it was a big decision, I know I have alot of work to do and I truly hope I can rid myself of 30 years off and off struggling and I hate when I do that what if. I have fainted in the past and when I drive I think that What if. I know how to drive, but What if I faint while driving 50 miles an hour down a highway.. my fainting is associated with blood and hospitals but when I get a panic attack it feels the same and I think What if.. so because of What if.. I don’t go and am missing out on life and miss out on events and because I am embarrassed to say why I say I don’t feel well, I have a cold, I feel tired or lie that I have somewhere else to go and stay home and the next day they ask about the event and I lie and say it was fun, because to me the What if, stopped me. So I will follow your plan and do my homework, but I do have to say if I get cured of this, well I think you should be on Oprah and put all of those so called doctors, like Dr Phil and think they can cure you in and instant because No, they cannot it is a matter of re-training your mind and the mind is power and we do this to ourselves.

    Enough for now, but I now think What if I didn’t purchase your program and What if I took my sister’s advise or my friends husband and go to a psychiatrist and he put me on drugs (which I have) and numb me.

    So, with you and prayer and guidance… What if I drive the Daytona 500 in another year… well I won’t I’m too old but I’m glad I am taking a “leap of faith” and truly pray I can retrain me.

    Please keep sending me your videos, I love them and listen to your sessions still on week 1, I know at least 4 times a week and do my homework.

    Diana

  15. Julia says:

    Thank you for the information! The, “What if'” senario is very common for me. And here’s the best point. Since I have been learning from your clips my anxiety and panic attacks have lessened quite a bit. I now have the attitude of so what if I have anxiety it will pass. My body calms down. But I do find that I still have the,”What if” mentality. That is a work in progress. It’s nice to make a new good, positive attitude towards what is happening in my body, and mentality. I also have a story that I would like to tell you, but then I do have to go right now, but I can see how the way we think affects our bodies and the way we live.

    Julia

  16. Kim says:

    I have been having a lot of anxiety of the “what Ifs” lately… I have lost my job, gotten divorced in the same time span.. I panicked and said what if this or what if that…. Now I know to say so what….

    I will victorious over panic attacks

    Thank you for your information!

  17. Frank says:

    Shabbat Shalom Geert,

    I don’t know if you ever read any of these comments but I will speak about my thoughts on your video on the chance you do…

    I’m a former corrections officer of one of the states ( won’t tell you which one) here in the USA and I was taught to think about, what we call, “The What If Game”.

    We were taught to do this for the purpose of imagining what if this happened how will I deal with it.

    If an inmate attacked us in a particular way how will I respond to defend myself &/or others.

    The secret to this kind of thinking is to not stop with just asking yourself “What If” but to continue thinking until you figure out the “How Will I Deal With…” part.

    Myself, I have no problems using this synerio {sic} when I was working inside of the violent environment of the prison I worked at but where I have problems at is out here in the “Free World”, as we called it.

    I find it hard to impossible to figure out how to overcome the fears of just interacting with other people. It’s not the dieing I’m so scared of… it’s the living that scares me sooo much.

    I made peace with The Eternal (Yahuuah whom most call God} a looooong time ago so I have no fear of death & I can see that this peace is why I was & am able to deal with most violent situations so what I’m trying to figure out is how to not be afraid to live.

    Most of the “What If” games that I have worked out in my mind & life have to do with how I will deal with violence such as the lion or the tiger or even Freddy Krugger & I can deal with them with relative ease.

    Perhaps I will discover how to not be afraid of living some day but until then I’ll continue to enjoy your videos and let you know that you are spot on about most of what you talk about.

    Shabbat Shalom,
    Frank

  18. Michael says:

    Your emails the past few weeks have helped. Inspired me to get your videos! usually I dont buy stuff from the internet but this time Im glad I am.

    Thanks!!!!

  19. Debbie Freeman says:

    Geert, you are just so spot on in everything you say. “What if” has been going on in my head for a long time.
    You inspire me to overcome these thoughts.At last-someone who really understands anxiety, and I am so glad that I have signed up to do your 14 week course. You have an an exceptional way of delivering your videos and course,with sincerity,clarity and the right amount of humour.
    You are an amazing man,Geert.
    Debbie.UK.

  20. Donna says:

    Geert, I am learning a lot from your videos, especially this one. Thank you for helping me to overcome my fears and phobial. You are wonderful!

  21. Lori says:

    Geert,
    Sure that was a spontaneous video? It was great and had me chuckling out loud. I think that you are truly a great guy and I appreciate all the effort that you put into “saving” us kindred spirits. Thanks for making this your “calling.” You do make a difference.
    With respecful affection,
    Lori

  22. John says:

    Geert:
    You are a Master and perhaps you should offer your services to other so-called professionals. There is much to be learned from someone who has conquered this maladie and “lived to tell the tale”! Bravo to You and keep on with your GREAT work!!!

  23. Johnnieg says:

    Geert,
    I have tried them all,, over many years, and your program is the best . Claire Weekes helped my alot, and she suggests some of the things you do . She got me this far . You are taking me the rest of the way .
    You are the best and you are easy to understand .I know this time I will beat this problem. It has been 40 years of hell .
    Thanks Geert .
    Johnnieg

  24. Debra says:

    Geert,
    Your emails are awsome you make me smile with each one of them. They are truely helping. I hope to be working soon so I can order your program. I do save each of your emails so I can go back a listen to them again and again. God Bless you.
    Many Thanks
    Debra

  25. Adam says:

    I just had a bad panic attack about an hour ago i finally got it to go away and it’s funny your saying, ” so what ” ,because I was doing that on my own and it calmed me down then I see this video,I was like :O wow what a sign or something it was crazy I’m looking forward to using this technique,and am actually looking forward to my next attack to do it again thanks for the videos keep them coming,I’m most likely buying your program you’ve been a great help to me Geert thank you buddy,..ADAM

  26. John says:

    THANK YOU so much…I’ve been getting your emails and vids…You are absolutely right…And I love your presentations
    and thoughts…You have been there and offer me hope….
    I can’t afford the sessions right now, but you help me and will try to master “so what” and stop anticipating a negative future…
    I have begun praying a lot too for guidance and help…
    As all the “great one’s” know, the best life is of one who “serves” or helps others…You are doing such a good thing..and I love ya for it…
    All the best to you and continued peace of mind etc…
    I see you as a “distant” friend…
    Much gratitude…I’m working on it!!!
    Hugs buddy! John (in Canada)

  27. Tina White says:

    Geert, geert, geert,

    You never cease to amaze me!!! I stay by myself my husband works away seven days on seven days off. I have an alarm system, gun and big blue pit bull dog that weighs 90 lb. and still have the what if thinking about the burglars breaking in I even dream about it, scary. I will try your technique tonight!!!!! It’s funny I find myself saying what would geert do and it makes me laugh. Can’t wait for the burglars tonight, lol!!!!

    Tina from Texas

  28. sheila gillan says:

    geert- i just got my cds todaqy and plan to watch the first one. I am someone who has had severe panic attacks and agoraphobia since age 18 or earlier and am now age 51.I worked as a social worker for 14 yrs.with the severely mentally ill but got worse and worse. i have been on medication all this years and after some long term jobs and then less and less i am now on disability. i had some horrible docters, was hospitalized, and i now have a great doctor.you sound kind and i had almost given up hope but you make sense. i tried so many things- a support group, the lucinda basset, who is form toledo,ohio where i live and their we videos, tapes, workshops, but it did not help. i did understand your “what if” video, but my attacks, although like that often are more out of the blue- like no anxiety or a little and they will escalate for an hour or more for no reason where I am so scared i cannot walk or move my body. its the most scary and hellish feeling i feel a lot! i really feel alone and this has taken over my life for 45 yrs.. i am a really bad case, but hope you can help me. thank you so much, sheila.

  29. sheila gillan says:

    geert- i just got my cds today and plan to watch the first one. I am someone who has had severe panic attacks and agoraphobia since age 18 or earlier and am now age 51.I worked as a social worker for 14 yrs.with the severely mentally ill but got worse and worse. i have been on medication all this years and after some long term jobs and then less and less i am now on disability. i had some horrible docters, was hospitalized, and i now have a great doctor.you sound kind and i had almost given up hope but you make sense. i tried so many things- a support group, the lucinda basset, who is form toledo,ohio where i live and their we videos, tapes, workshops, but it did not help. i did understand your “what if” video, but my attacks, although like that often are more out of the blue- like no anxiety or a little and they will escalate for an hour or more for no reason where I am so scared i cannot walk or move my body. its the most scary and hellish feeling i feel a lot! i really feel alone and this has taken over my life for 45 yrs.. i am a really bad case, but hope you can help me. thank you so much, sheila.

  30. Alana says:

    My boyfriend has been teaching me a principal called “it’s beneath me.” If you start to worry about something you tell yourself that the fear is beneath you and laugh at it. It sounds like what you’re talking about. His wording doesn’t help as much, but I think yours might. So far your videos have been helping. I can’t cut caffeine out of my diet because I have migraines and unfortunately the migraines are worse than the panic attacks and I need to choose my poison. But, with your videos, I’ve been able to convince myself that most of my panic attacks are caused by caffeine and when I stop worrying, they go away. The ones that are brought on by stress are still there, but if I can get over the stimulant induced attacks, I can get over those that are fear based. Thank you for your help thus far. I’m twenty four, I’ve had migraines, a serotonin deficiency, and social phobia since I was thirteen. I’m starting to remember and become who I was before the pain and fear set in. Thank you.

  31. Roberta says:

    Hahaha! This video was great! I’m from Romania and it was very funny when you said “so what if those crazy romanians come and kill me tonight”. :)) We are nice people you know …just kidding 😀

  32. joanne says:

    thank you for the e-mails , i love to watch the videos, since breaking up with my partner my panic attacks are in full blown attacks, he didnt understand watch i was going through with my attacks , but your videos are helping me . my days are tough with 2 young children, no partner now ,and the panic attacks .. i look forward to the next video.

  33. Randy says:

    What I love the most is your funny way that you show how to
    laugh about my stupid what if’s that I have lived with for 35 years. I am glad that my internet time finally paid off.

    Thank You

  34. Moshe says:

    wow! this is all so true, i like your videos, i also like to read all the comments other people leave,

    i think it would be great if you would make a conference once in a few years, where people can actually see you & talk with you one-on-one.

    Thanx.

  35. Joan says:

    This “What If” symdrome as I refer to it as… Is awful… I seem to be suffering from this one… really bad…. this session was Great….!!!

  36. rr says:

    thats so simple and effective..
    Congrats. you are capable of changing the way people live their life..

  37. Doug says:

    How true your comments are. When we learn to run TO the panic attack and face it head on, we will break down the stronghold of it. It is very hard to not run away when you feel the muscle weakness or thinking you have to get back to your safety zone because you can’t breathe, we must learn that our safety zone IS our own self.

  38. Kathleen. London. says:

    Every time I listen to your videos Geert I begin to realize how a different way of thinking can help solve all my fears. Your approach is brilliant & so simple to follow. I am very interested . Definately will follow up this & maybe buy the C.D. Wish you had a book published. I love reading & studding.
    Thank you,
    Kathleen.

  39. Gayle says:

    Hi Geert; I have used the “so what” tecnique many times in the past and it does help take the anxiety away, however I do have a question for you, and hope you reply to it. What if you don’t know why or what you are having anxiety over? What if you go through periods of anxiety and panic attacks just out of the blue when you are NOT being afraid of anything? When everything in your life seems to be going fine and you don’t have any social phobias. That is what happens to me. I will be fine sometimes for 2, 3, or 4 years and then all of a sudden I have a panic attack for no apparent reason. After the attack I stay in a state of anxiety sometimes for months during which time I have panic attacks occasionally, but constantly experience sore muscles, heart palpitations, headaches, emotional outbursts, etc. Gradually I get better and then the cycle starts all over again. I never know how long it will be before it before it comes back. Sometimes months, sometimes years. Do you have any insight to this? Usually I am an outgoing person who enjoys socializing and the only real fears I have (that I’m aware of) are of flying and heights. I am looking forward to your reply. Thanks for giving us some tools to help get through these frightfull attacks!
    Gayle from Canada

  40. Fred says:

    Greet…you are a great speaker…period! I’m sitting here in USA listening to your attitude and the ‘what if’…you are so right….I’ve used the ‘what if’ situation for years, because I’ve been told to do so, for it to help and it hasn’t. You must go beyond the ‘what if’ and get that thought in your head of ‘who cares’ – I will accept what will happen…yet you must find a claus within your situation that you believe, because if you don’t believe it, it isn’t going to work. Yet as you said, don’t worry about it, just know that the ‘what if’ is a prelude to fear, and the ‘don’t worry about it or accept the enevitable’ is reality and where you want to be….’not afraid’ any more. I’ve been going through these anxiety/panic attacks for about 7 years. I doctor for it and I seemingly get more out of your videos, then I get out of my doctor, who in my opinion should be listening to what he/she preaches….:)

    Thanks a lot for your time and effort
    Fred

  41. Denise says:

    I LOVE watching your videos. I totally relate to all you say. You make me laugh and I think of your words when I am out and about and I totally relax. Thanks!!!

  42. Paris says:

    Hi Geert,
    Thanks for sharing your short vids with us. When you talked about the ‘What if’ thoughts and said, it doesn’t matter that brought up painful memories I had as a child.
    Yes, it did work for me. I lived with an abusive alcoholic father who thought it was cewt to threaten his daughter. He would often threaten to break my arm, or even say things to my mom like I didn’t deserve to live. These were things that he did when he came home after the bars closed, usually around 3 AM. I was always so afraid, hiding in my bed hoping he wouldn’t flick on the light and come into my room (although for a long time I slept in the living room). Later, I got so tired of being afraid that I finally reached the point of saying, “so what if he kills me! it would be better than living like this!”
    This happened only when I was in high school, but the effect was immediate. When he threatened to shoot my dog and turned the gun on mom, I stood up to him. I told him to shoot me!
    He didn’t. He seemed shocked, just like the lions. I wouldn’t recommend anyone try this, but he had isolated us in the country and there was no help from anywhere.
    After that, the relationship changed. His threats were much more feeble… but it is sad how long I lived in that kind of fear. Needless to say, today I have problems sleeping and have PTSD. I tend to be distrusting of others but you seem like a very nice person.
    Paris.

  43. Corissa says:

    Hi Geert! I can not tell you exactly how much I appreciate your videos.
    It has truly come at a time in my life where I really need to hear these truths. It is never easy to tell someone that panic attacks are something that you deal with because unless you have gone through them, to others it just sounds ridiculous. But, your techiques are something that I believe will help me. The “What If” factor is something that definitely rules a panic attack and is something that most recently am facing. I had suffered with panic attacks for 15 years on and off when stress got to be too much. However, I started going, about 1 yr. 6mths. ago, for acupuncture and actually came off of my anxiety medicine. However, recently, I was under a tremendous amount of stress and am pregnant and was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. Well, I don’t need to tell anyone who understands panic attacks that that is what set me into panic attack mode again! However, I did see a nutritionist and they put me on a very balanced diet. The ‘What If” factor has been coming up a lot tho. Like, what if my sugar goes down when I go out ?? and so, I built up a fear to go out of my comfort zone right now. So, that is why this video is one that came at a most perfect time. Thank you for showing us another way. As a Christian I know that with God ALL things are possible and healing is there for us. Thanks again Geert! Looking forward to more of your videos.

  44. Jacob says:

    Thanks!
    You help me a lot with your videos and the program. I’m starting to feel this “new life” you’re talking about. If I am more positive in life and stop focusing on all the negative things, everything will be so much better. This video was very helpful, I needed it. The “what if..?” phrase is one of the most difficult things for me to get over, but I know I can do it, I’m getting there!
    I emailed you a few days ago about the CD’s I hadn’t got, you said I should receive them on Thursday and I did! So thanks again Geert!

  45. Michele says:

    Dear Geert,

    I decided to buy your program because you seemed so sincere in wanting to help people and because my great ancestors are from Belgium. Silly, I know, but I figured that we are from the same blood so I could trust you!

    I almost bought a different program, but I’m so glad I purchased yours. I have only listened to one session so far, in addition to the relaxation session. Yesterday, I took a trip into the city (Chicago) which I have been wanting to do for over 10 years now. I even took the train. I told myself, “Whatever happens, it’s okay. If I have a panic attack, it’s okay. If I freak out on the train, it’s okay.” It really does help.

    You are a wonderful person for helping others. God bless you.

    I look forward to receiving your videos.

    Regards,
    Michele

  46. CDs says:

    You are a wonderful man to send these free videos to help those struggling with anxiety and panic disorders. Many thanks for your helpful dialogue! Happy holidays Geert! – Cristina

  47. T says:

    Another great video created by a great man. I thank you for your words of wisdom and knowledgeable advice. You are a ray of light in very dark times. Thanks again.

  48. Mudassir says:

    “What if” has been replaced with “So What!”
    Keep up the great work Geert 🙂

  49. danielle says:

    You are the only thing i look for on my email. You are the ONLY thing worth looking at!!! You are cute and a ray of sunshine!!! You have helped me very much with these little videos. I wish I could get your program too! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me and SOOOOOO MANY other people!!! I care about them as well as myself! Love ya!! Stay sweet!!

  50. Cam says:

    Geert, you are amazing!!! I am 19 years old. You have really helped me out with my anxiety issues. I feel relieved knowing that there’s the light at the end of the tunnel. Before I found out about you, I was an anxious man, I had a fear of what other people thought about me, I had a fear of rejection from my peers, I had a fear of failure, I was a hypochondriac, I had a fear of death, etc… You are a hero to everyone. I wish I could meet you, I am amazed with all of your stuff. I’ve had anxiety issues for as long as I can remember. I feel like you really understand me. I would always have such high expectations for myself and whenever they weren’t met I always got so mad at myself and now I simply tell myself “It’s not the end of the world”. Keep up the great work!!!!!

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