JodyLynC
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2001
- Messages
- 2,251
I am having a rough time.
Part of it is that I haven't been taking my meds like I should (you know, every day- not once a week when I happen to remember).
Part of it is the stress of the holidays and family.
Part of it is my job (I transferred branches to be closer to home, and I sort of wish I hadn't- my new office is much busier, more hectic, more stressful, and the people there- well, they just aren't the people I worked with before, and I miss those girls).
Part of it is money. Always an underlying stressor for me.
I know this path, and I don't want to be on it, but I'm having a hard time finding ways around my negativity and stress. I'm trying really hard, but could use some help or suggestions or reminders, anything.
Hang in there, Becky. Here are some suggestions:
1) Make meds part of your morning routine (or evening or after meal or whenever you are supposed to take them.) Every morning I go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, go to the kitchen to get a glass of water, and take my meds. It is now more habit than anything. My body just goes thru those motions without me even thinking about it.
2) If your stress is dealing with people, I have a great saying that someone taught me. "I'm sorry. Forgive Me. I Love You." One of my biggest stressors is traffic. I have to say that the very large majority of drivers are wonderful and helpful. I have discovered this when I started focusing on good, considerate drivers instead of looking for the bad drivers. Once in awhile, I will still yell out "You Jerk!" Then I remember myself and say "I'm sorry. Forgive me. I love you." Of course, the other guy can't hear me but I it calms me. At first I just said the words. Now I really mean them. I say it to myself for thinking/speaking harshly and the other driver (who may be dealing with his/her own situation.)
I've started saying this to family members, friends, strangers, and myself. (Not out loud. Just to myself.) It is amazing how much calmer I have become in dealing with people.
3) Love your Job. Love your co-workers. Love the busyness (it makes the day go by faster). When you go in each morning, greet every person warmly and with love whether you like them or not. Then make a To Do list of what must be done, then a list of what can wait, then a list of minor stuff. Check off what gets done. Break big tasks down into chunks and cross of each chunk as it gets done. Seeing what you have accomplished visually really impacts you. Schedule a break in the afternoon and stick to it. Go out for a walk if the weather is nice. If you have an office door, close it. If you have a one stall bathroom, go in there. Just go somewhere where you can have 5 minutes of privacy. During these 5 minutes don't think about work, home, bills. Don't listen to music. Don't read (unless it is something inspiring). Meditate. Just be silent in those few minutes. Concentrate on your breathing. If your mind starts to wander, say "Later" and move back into silence.
4) Money is always an issue, so stay away from news about the economy. That makes you focus on lack. The News also takes a bad situation and makes it worse by focusing on the worst possible scenarios and making people panic. Do you have a place to live? Whether it be a one room apartment or a large house. Do you have enough to eat? Maybe not out to dinner or steaks every night, but are you eating? Do you have a job? Are you able to buy a few things for the holiday you are celebrating? Are you focusing on what you can't afford to buy/have right now or are you focusing on what you do have?
I sometimes feel lack, but whenever I do I try to focus on 3 to 5 things that I do have in Abundance. Here is Sarah Ban Breathnach's definition of abundance: "Anytime you have more than you need, you have abundance."
5) Do you have anything to give? Go through your closets. I am making myself get rid of the clothes I "might fit into one day if I lose 10 more pounds." Someone else has need of them right now. If my kids haven't played with a toy in a year, I am donating it (or tossing if broken.) Have a garage sale. If you don't have enough for a garage sale, then donate to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, a shelter, etc. Bless the items as you donate them. There is a law of circulation as well as a law of attraction. Use it.
Much Love to you all!!!
Jody