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.
post construction cleaning Deerfield ..If we are the products of our attitudes then it... Read More
How you feel about yourself truly does affect your interaction... Read More
I don't know about you, but for me, the technological... Read More
In his all-time bestselling record The Strangest Secret, author Earl... Read More
So...you might just believe I hide behind computers creating and... Read More
An Attitude of Gratitude. How important is this to you... Read More
Thousands of dollars will be yours, just by using your... Read More
As a financial economist my motivation has long been to... Read More
Most of us start the day like we're trying to... Read More
You've been looking for a job for as long as... Read More
When we were children, we were fearless. We would stick... Read More
In speaking of comparison we need to be aware that... Read More
Many people would say that it is absolute madness to... Read More
P.M.A - so what is it? Some people will automatically... Read More
This is the age of the Quick Fix - the... Read More
Once upon a time, I was a vibrant, youthful teenager...My... Read More
Have you heard of the FABS? The FABS are quadruplets;... Read More
Several years, I was listening to a radio talk show... Read More
I have had many confidence issues in my life, all... Read More
Did you know that the 911 equivalent in the UK... Read More
Cheri decided that she wanted to grow an apple tree... Read More
Do you feel that your negative thoughts are holding you... Read More
INNER CRITIC UNVEILED! Part 2: AFFIRMATIONS TO THE RESCUE!"Almost everybody... Read More
The summer I was 20 years old, I worked as... Read More
When you look at your future in terms of your... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Bannockburn ..How would you like to stop feeling like your life... Read More
A confidence crisis is looming with a recent study showing... Read More
Thank you is such a beautiful phrase. When you say,... Read More
You've been looking for a job for as long as... Read More
Our initial reaction when hitting a setback or a "roadblock,... Read More
It took me a long time to realise the benefits... Read More
Need a way to make your life a better place... Read More
John Ryder awakens feeling rested, refreshed, and sensing a calm... Read More
Our attitude makes seems to control just about everything about... Read More
Do you really believe that there is anything in this... Read More
An old Joni Mitchell song reminds us, "don't it always... Read More
Many times when an angry or rageful man comes into... Read More
Most of us start the day like we're trying to... Read More
Hey gang; Ok it's time to create some good habits.... Read More
I woke up this morning feeling sour.No. That's an understatement.... Read More
This is the age of the Quick Fix - the... Read More
Lately, I've been hearing that it's not okay to have... Read More
"Where are your bananas?" It seemed like a logical question... Read More
It really doesn't matter what your objectives are in this... Read More
I need your help. I did a good deed recently,... Read More
Our thoughts really belong to the collective consciousness of the... Read More
HOW YOUR OUTLOOK INFLUENCES HEALTH AND ABILITY TO CONTROL ANGERJane... Read More
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.... Read More
From Making the Big Move: how to transform relocation into... Read More
An affirmation is a positive assertion, a solemn declaration, a... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |