Ups and Downs

 I got into a conversation with a woman the other day, and she shared with me that she has been feeling a little down. She was unhappy with her job and I shared with her a positive action that I have taken that helped some. 

Later, when I was alone and could really think about what she was feeling, I realized that I did not validate how she was feeling. When there is something going on in my life that makes me feel sad, stuck, angry, or frustrated, I really sit with the feelings and ask the hard questions. How did I get here? I am responsible for my actions and decisions. I made choices and now I am reaping the consequences of those choices. Some will be positive and some will produce the negative feelings that I have mentioned.

It is time to look at the situation and evaluate. Let's use the feelings the woman shared about not liking her job as an example. There are questions she might want to ask herself, like:

 1.  What does the work look like that I would like to be doing everyday?

 2.  What would I need to do to get a job like that? 

 3.  What do I want to be doing in five (5) years career wise.?

 And if your current job is where you have to be for now. Ask these questions:

 1.  What do I need to do to enjoy my life more?

      a. Make time for a hobby; something that you enjoy.

      b. Validate your feelings. You have the right to feel this way. Then let it go. And if you cannot let it go and you feel overwhelmed then talk with someone that you trust and if you need to get professional help.

 2.  What can I do to change my attitude and not let these circumstance dictate my mood and how I view my life?

      a. This is challenging. Start each day making the choice to feel good about the day. Smile. Today is your day to make it a positive experience regardless of other people and outside circumstance. 

I have to admit that in the moment someone or something can catch me off guard and I have reacted with my emotions and not with my common sense, however; I take a breath and let the negative feelings pass. I realize that it was a reaction that is not healthy for me and believe that I will do better next time. Practice self-love, believe in yourself, and decide next time that you will make a better choice in the heat of the moment. 

These are just a few of my personal thoughts on the topic of feeling a little down and what I wished I had offered to talk about with this woman instead of just offering platitudes. I am sure you have had experiences that gave you insight on how you would talk to a person in this circumstance and I would love to have you share any thoughts that you have.