So, you just got hit by a troll on social media. You had a fight with your spouse. Your kids have been uncooperative all day and your lesson plans are in a shambles. You feel like a total loser who simply can’t handle life. You know you’re in a pit.
You have a choice – stay there or get out.
Out is definitely better. Unless you’re someone who likes pity parties, which I know you’re not ‘cause those folks get offended by me pretty quickly and don’t read this blog.
How do you overcome the oppressive mindset and the swirling thoughts of what you could have done differently, how you don’t measure up, how you are a terrible person and on and on…?
An in-depth, deeper look at the issue behind why we beat up on ourselves would take a whole book, today we just want to get our groove back because there’s just too much life to be lived to be sitting around beating ourselves up.
- Dance! My personal go-to mood lifter. What’s your favorite music? I like classic rock and I like it loud. The Pandora radio app is your friend. Just choose your favorite artist or genre, plug it into the search bar and Pandora will help you create a station of related artists, sounds and songs. Attach your device to some external speakers and crank it up. Dance around for a song or two and I guarantee the mood in your house will change. If you’re really sure you are way too busy to take that kind of time for yourself, then wash dishes while you listen. Whatever. If you can’t imagine stirring up that kind of positive energy just yet, go for some soothing classical music (or jazz if you’re really a glutton for punishment). Music changes the energy in your brain
- Go for a walk. This must be an outdoor event, preferably in nature if at all possible. I know, no one really has time for this one, but it’s mentioned everywhere simply because it does work. If you’ve got a gazillion little kids hanging around your knees and corralling everyone for a walk is way more stressful than whatever you’re dealing with, take them out for a march around the yard. Whoever does the silliest march wins. It’s got to be boisterous, silly, and as loud as possible.
- Go to this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5r9skkZtN0 Sorry about the ads, I have no control over whatever shows up. Called “soaking” worship, it’s a blend of scripture, peaceful images and soothing music. The more senses you can engage in a positive, uplifting input, the greater the effect on your brain. Soften the lighting in your room, light your favorite candle, and put on some headphones. Relax as you listen, watch, and smell. Even if you only have 5 minutes it will change the direction of your day.
- Find someone to bless. I hereby give you permission to chuck your plans when everything has gone wrong and take the kids out to pick strawberries or something. Then bring the berries to someone who can’t get out to pick their own. Now you’ve turned a day full of lemons into phys ed and service to others! Put that on your lesson plan and call it good.
- Repeat after me : “I do not have to be perfect” “I do not have to be perfect” “I do not have to be perfect…..” You are trying your best each and every day. I know you are. We are far harder on ourselves than anyone else is. Treat your shortcomings like you would those of your best friend. Speak to yourself the same way. You are valuable. You are loved. You are needed. Your life matters. The thoughts in your head are just thoughts. They are not reality. Take every thought captive, stop it in its tracks and if it is one that makes you feel bad, you have the right, the authority and the command of God to trash it. Yup, He commands us to stop indulging in thoughts that tell us we are anything other than what His word says we are. If God commands us to do it, you can be absolutely sure He gives us the power and authority to do as He asks.
Take a deep breath and get back to it mom. The world needs what you have to offer.
I’m curious. What is your favorite mood lifting music? Does it have to be loud and high energy? Tell me in the comments.
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