Johanna C, I definitely fall into that category too, though maybe a little less extreme than you. I recognize that the feeling part of my brain is basically like the brain of my parent's dog. It needs to be reassured when things potentially get stressfull, and it needs to calm down when things potentially get exciting.
Positive self talk was the solution for me. That doesn't mean you aren't going to feel those emotions when almost any non-routine situation arises. But when you can keep your conscious thoughts separated from what you're feeling, then that's pretty much gold right there.
Some weeks ago, I made the definite decision to be happy on the conscious level regardless of my external circumstances. I do allow myself one exception a week, because seriously, nobody wants to be happy all the time. But doing this has made a significant impact on my life. I think I have better control over my life like this.
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