Actually, all of me is raw. I just got back from a lovely and relaxing week of vacation. I should feel great, content. But instead I have this overwhelming feeling of dissatisfaction and frustration. My initial reaction to feeling that way is to chastise myself for it. Suck it up, buttercup. Or my mother’s favorite, “it could be worse”. How I hated that phrase when I was a kid. It’s mostly true, but it took away validation for any negative feelings. Now I just accept those feelings, both good and bad, without comparison. It is what it is. When I no longer fight the negative feelings, they can simply pass through me.
I read this today: “For every one complaint you have in life, try to come up with 3 solutions to that problem. Before complaining to someone else, come up with 3 solutions of your own. In work, if you have a suggestion to make something better, don’t bring your 1 complaint to your boss, bring 3 solutions on how to progress or bring solutions to problems you’re facing.” Im working on some solutions. But first, a bath, a good book, and my bed. I find these three things to be comforting to the soul.
July 9, 2014
I like the solution oriented perspective for work and some of personal life but have found it wise to listen to myself and others without offering up solutions when I am, and they are down until the despair or sad emotions have subsided a bit.
When I’m having particularly bad times, I tend to repeat, “When going through hell, just keep going..” which I take to mean that it’s valid and okay to feel how I feel and it’s okay and a good thing for me to just go through it. Then, once that’s done, I’ll come out better (a better person, life choice, feeling, etc.) on the other side.
Hang in there as you find the small comforts in life and know that all emotions are human and welcome. It’s just how we respond to, and learn from them. 🙂
July 10, 2014
Thank you, as always, for your sagacious input, Natasha. I truly appreciate and value your perspective!
Things felt a lot more manageable after a good night’s sleep. 🙂 I was rather unexpectedly faced with making a big decision and felt a bit overwhelmed.