Unhappy moods can be like comfortable sweaters, those old ones: familiar, worn and with the right kind of smell. When we're in a sad place, or actually with any dissatisfied feelings, we want that comfy sweater. We actually can feel really safe wearing it. It's dark and cozy. Choosing to feel the full feeling of those emotions are powerful. In some way wrapping that sweater tight, we are powerful.
Bad moods are seductive this way. When our sorrows claim us, then we demand attention, and sympathy. We're the object of our friend's attention. And when the universe makes sure no one is home when you call, there's that cozy sweater again, that old sweatshirt, or those bed covers. The lure is even stronger.
The problem is that when we're ruled by these emotions-oh yes. We're not really in control here-we're not happy. That is not to say those feelings are not important. There are reasons to be angry, to sorrow, and to grieve. We need those emotions as much as laughter, but it is easy to let those emotions seduce us into lingering there long after the fight or the crying is done.
You know what happens if you wear an article of clothing too long? You don't wash it, you don't let it air out in the warm breeze and touched by the warmth of the sun? Yeah. It gets smelly and unpleasant. Ich.
You really cannot stay that way. So when that fusty sweater gets too cozy, it's time to take a deep breath and find some other article of clothing to wear. Literally. Or you could make yourself a scrumptious brunch, or read a funny story, or watch a funny move. Even better call a friend over for dinner. This can be tough. Why? Because you don't want to indulge in more angst. You took off the sweater. Focus on cooking or ordering in some fabulous meal to share; light candles. Talk about something different. Find out what's going on with them.
Choose a change of pace.
There are times happiness is an act of will. When those blue feelings become familiar, it's hard work to look for contentment. If the sad feelings trap you, beyond their natural course, you have to decide you want a different emotion. It does not have to be a sudden switch. Our emotions do not really work like that. It isn't like turning a light on. Sometimes it means taking several moments during the day and take a few deep breaths and just look outside, or think of something positive.
After a while, that change of pace, those moments of deep breath and stillness and you find that the warm breeze is running its fingers through your hair and the warm sun is caressing your face. And the true gift of sorrow is revealed. We know how much this joy is worth.
About The Author
Maria Boers Morris has published short stories, one at www.writershood.com, and an e-book on Creating Positive Thought, at www.writershood.com. More motivational e-books will be available through www.writershood.com in the near future.
maide service in Park Ridge ..Good morning I love you.This is a basic exercise, which... Read More
Everything exists twice. First, in your mind. Later, before you... Read More
Heard of a raindance? It is a ritual used by... Read More
Maureen worked in an office with twenty other people, processing... Read More
Many times when an angry or rageful man comes into... Read More
"We can change our circumstances by a mere change of... Read More
One day while in deep meditation and self analysis, a... Read More
Most of us carry on a running internal dialogue at... Read More
Our lives are busy. We rush here only to remember... Read More
When I was a young girl, my sister and I... Read More
" If you have faith as a grain of musterd... Read More
Just in an average day we can experience many things... Read More
So how do we find meaning? The first step is... Read More
The surge of emotions.During the middle ages, the court jester... Read More
Resentment isn't a spectacular emotion, but it is long-lasting and... Read More
When I teach private Yoga sessions, sometimes, I become aware... Read More
Not Amen, just so we're clear on that.AND.The little connector... Read More
Ten tips to transform your move into a creative life... Read More
Are feelings and attitudes the same thing or different? Does... Read More
In my years as a psychologist, I have come to... Read More
Are you aware of your inner dialogue? If not, you... Read More
I've yet to meet the person who never struggles with... Read More
Your response (reaction?) to change is conditioned by your entire... Read More
With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought it would be especially appropriate... Read More
A more positive future, a happier life, a body that's... Read More
after renovation cleaning Highland Park ..Question: "It's only three months. Or six months. Or a... Read More
When we were children, we were fearless. We would stick... Read More
What does it take to succeed? How can you move... Read More
Every day that I eat EnergyRich? Food, I get almost... Read More
Have you ever considered that you may be subconsciously sabotaging... Read More
What are you holding onto? Wanta quit?There are many things... Read More
"For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is... Read More
Several years, I was listening to a radio talk show... Read More
The only thing between you and your desire to be... Read More
When you feel lost and confused, it is easy to... Read More
Often when radical change occurs in our lives we feel... Read More
Need a way to make your life a better place... Read More
Everyone of us has the potential to successfully more through... Read More
Apart form the Emotions and the attitude, Anger is a... Read More
WhenWhen we have feelings for someone or something, we have... Read More
ARE YOU IN... OR OUT?Are you in or out of... Read More
Does that title make you cringe? It made me cringe... Read More
1. Smile2. Laugh3. Greet people courteously4. Be enthusiastic5. Dream. Engage... Read More
Who are the Whiners? Whiners are the people who always... Read More
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More
Yea, I know........I hear you saying "that's easy for you... Read More
"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude... Read More
Do you ever feel sorry for yourself? Do you ever... Read More
It started out as a windy, rainy day. A tropical... Read More
"In life, if you give yourself a concession, you'd take... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |