Every so often I have a complete meltdown. And, when I say complete meltdown, I mean the whole works. Tears, drama, negativity, cynicism – it all comes pouring out. I can cry in a Friends episode when I’m in this frame of mind. Every little thing becomes an unbearable mountain. Work stress, relationships, body image, career… it all gets dumped on the same hopeless pile and I dissolve in a ball of pity and futility. Is anyone hearing me? Am I the only one with an emotional backlog which can tame two year’s temper tantrums?
The news is I usually recover from this deluge fairly quickly. A day or two later I’m back to my happy bubbly self with renewed focus, energy, and tenacity. In those moments though, I feel as if I am a failure. I feel as if my life is falling to pieces. I’m frustrated and I’m focused on what I don’t have, not what I do. Actually, I have a wonderful life.
Here are some pick-me-ups to remind you that life is good and you are going to be fine.
You’ve learned things
Yes, we all wish life was sand boarding across the Nambian dunes. It’s not: it’s more like climbing Kilimanjaro. It has challenges, curveballs, frustrations, and uphills. But, at the end of the day, it’s worth it. Every difficulty and trial teaches you something new. Every new challenge causes you to change and grow. Your failures may drive you mad, but they also make you who you are.
You have a bed to sleep in
My favourite time of my day is crawling into bed in the evening and snuggling into my soft pillows. A clean, dry bed is something which many people take for granted. A lot of people don’t have a bed. They sleep on the side of the street or in a small house on the ground. When it gets wet, they have no place to go. You sleep soundly and you are dry – this is a big deal!
You’re making progress
If you are frustrated it’s probably because you are trying to get better. As Einstein once said: “It’s not that I am so smart, it’s that I stay with problems longer.” In the grand scheme of things if you keep an attitude of “let’s get better,” you will see success in your happiness, love, and career. Hang in there and never stop striving to be all you can be.
You have/have had a job
If you have had a job and lost it, don’t fret. You will find another one. Sometimes, losing a job is the reason why we start something new and innovate. If you have a job, count your blessings. It is good to have a job and an income. Don’t take it for granted.
There are lots of opportunities to learn
In this day and age you don’t have to have lots of money to learn a skill. There are all sorts of places where you can source all the information you need online. Knowledge is power: keep learning, keep growing, and let all the learning opportunities out there power you onwards.
You have food to eat
Take a moment to remember how unpleasant it is to be hungry. Hungry people are desperate because hunger is overwhelming. You have enough to eat. In fact, you probably have more than enough to eat. The next time you eat a piece of cake, really enjoy it.
You believe in something greater
I find it easier to climb out of my pool of pity because I believe in something greater. When I know that my life counts for more than just me, it motivates me to raise my head and gain perspective. When you see your life as something which brings honour to God then you live it in a different way. Don’t lose the God-factor in your life. Keep him number one and you will find things work out better than you expect.