Staying Positive While Sorting Through the Negative
As I previously mentioned, the past few years have been a bumpy ride, with the past year being the bumpiest, and the past month being pure turbulence. Ok, maybe I didn't quite put it that way before, but I'm pretty sure you all get the picture. One of the things I've been working on is trying to keep a more positive attitude. Something that can be difficult to do when battling some negative issues. So, today I decided to give this whole "bright side" thing a try.
The day started out as any other. The weather made it a little bit harder to get out of bed, but out of bed I got. Instead of jumping to, "ugghhhh, have to go to work" I made a mental note of all the things that needed to get done today since tomorrow afternoon would start a 4 1/2 day weekend for me. That made me smile. As did the text from my sweetness. It was simple and beautiful and the perfect way to start my morning.
Then I tackled a couple of personal errands and found some small but good news in doing so. I'll take any kind of good news these days. Thus, my day was off to a positive start. So throughout today I have been making a little list of all the good stuff that is going on. Tonight I get to spend time with my sweetness, and watch the season finale of American Horror Story. My boss bought me a delicious lunch just because she felt like it, so I am now full and content. Oh, and a little ego boost, I do think I look adorable today in the outfit I threw together this morning. Woooo! And perhaps the best news of all? My writing project is really taking off. I'm not quite halfway through, but the nagging pieces that have been jumbled around in my brain for so long are falling into place, and I am pleased with where they are landing. Feels so good to be excited about a project again. And then, there's Christmas.
The holiday season is supposed to be joyous. At least that's what all the commercials seem to point out. But for a lot of people it's a stressful and sad time. I've always had a bit of the "seasonal affective disorder" but it tends to be worse these days because of my lack of funds. I'm the type of person who really enjoys giving. The receiving is nice, but I actually don't need it at all. Making people happy makes me happy. When I can't afford to buy everyone I care about nice things, it makes me anxious and depressed. But this year I'm simply going to accept that I do not have the resources for that kind of Christmas. However, I do have the resources to tell each and every person I'm close to how much I love them and how special they are to me. I know that's enough for them. So it'll have to be enough for me right now.
So for my friends out in LJ and Cyberland who are also suffering from seasonal sadness, you're not alone. But we can feel some joy through this season. Take comfort in your family and friends. Take the time to tell them all how much you love them. Spend as much time as you can with them. They will get you through. And when you're alone and thinking about all that you've lost, all that you want, and all that has gone wrong, take a moment to remember the good, no matter how little. Make a list. Put everything on it that you're grateful for. Keep it handy. We all need reminders of the good things. And we all have plenty of good in our lives.
Have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday, everyone. Thank you for reading. Thank you for your friendship. And thank you for all that you do to improve the lives of those around you.
~Meg
The day started out as any other. The weather made it a little bit harder to get out of bed, but out of bed I got. Instead of jumping to, "ugghhhh, have to go to work" I made a mental note of all the things that needed to get done today since tomorrow afternoon would start a 4 1/2 day weekend for me. That made me smile. As did the text from my sweetness. It was simple and beautiful and the perfect way to start my morning.
Then I tackled a couple of personal errands and found some small but good news in doing so. I'll take any kind of good news these days. Thus, my day was off to a positive start. So throughout today I have been making a little list of all the good stuff that is going on. Tonight I get to spend time with my sweetness, and watch the season finale of American Horror Story. My boss bought me a delicious lunch just because she felt like it, so I am now full and content. Oh, and a little ego boost, I do think I look adorable today in the outfit I threw together this morning. Woooo! And perhaps the best news of all? My writing project is really taking off. I'm not quite halfway through, but the nagging pieces that have been jumbled around in my brain for so long are falling into place, and I am pleased with where they are landing. Feels so good to be excited about a project again. And then, there's Christmas.
The holiday season is supposed to be joyous. At least that's what all the commercials seem to point out. But for a lot of people it's a stressful and sad time. I've always had a bit of the "seasonal affective disorder" but it tends to be worse these days because of my lack of funds. I'm the type of person who really enjoys giving. The receiving is nice, but I actually don't need it at all. Making people happy makes me happy. When I can't afford to buy everyone I care about nice things, it makes me anxious and depressed. But this year I'm simply going to accept that I do not have the resources for that kind of Christmas. However, I do have the resources to tell each and every person I'm close to how much I love them and how special they are to me. I know that's enough for them. So it'll have to be enough for me right now.
So for my friends out in LJ and Cyberland who are also suffering from seasonal sadness, you're not alone. But we can feel some joy through this season. Take comfort in your family and friends. Take the time to tell them all how much you love them. Spend as much time as you can with them. They will get you through. And when you're alone and thinking about all that you've lost, all that you want, and all that has gone wrong, take a moment to remember the good, no matter how little. Make a list. Put everything on it that you're grateful for. Keep it handy. We all need reminders of the good things. And we all have plenty of good in our lives.
Have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday, everyone. Thank you for reading. Thank you for your friendship. And thank you for all that you do to improve the lives of those around you.
~Meg