Has this ever happened to you? You feel depressed. Maybe you have a good reason. Maybe you don’t. Then, you feel guilty that you are feeling down because really, so many people have it so much worse. You really have nothing to be upset about. Here’s the deal—you do feel blue for whatever reason. Don’t make it worse by beating yourself up about it.
I have always subscribed to the idea of carpe diem, living in the moment, the present is the only thing we really have, etc., but I realize that most of us do a poor job of actually living these profound ideas—including me. We get so busy filling our days with mundane tasks that we forget to notice the beauty that surrounds us, and the opportunities to make the world a better place. Lately, I have had to be very intentional about seeing things differently.
I have been feeling completely overwhelmed by the enormity of the task I have taken on in starting a new non-profit from home, and doing all of the work myself. I feel this huge responsibility to make a difference, juxtaposed against the fear that I won’t be able to pull it off. And if I don’t pull it off, not only will I let people down, but I will have failed. And then there’s the idea of not having a paycheck in a few months or being able to afford my health insurance. That can really keep me awake at night!
When these thoughts become just too much—as they do for all of us at one time or another about whatever it is we are obsessing about today—I have to stop and think about this moment. Right now. What is going on around me? Am I in pain? On the streets? Sick from chemo? Hungry? Cold? NO! All of my problems are in my head. I am the one that is causing that horrible overwhelmed and afraid feeling. The good news is—I can stop it. I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is possible.
A few things that help me get back to a calm place when I put myself into a frenzied panic are:
• Gratitude
Taking a few minutes to write down the things that I’m grateful for:
It’s sunny and seventy degrees in Denver today—in December!
I have leftover seafood pasta for lunch.
Lots of people want to help me with this non-profit.
I am lucky to have the opportunity to do something that makes a difference.
I am cancer-free.
• Meditation
Meditation is all about practice—showing up. I tend to judge myself that I am not very good at showing up regularly for this practice and that when I do, I don’t do it “well.” That’s not what it’s about. Just do it. Take a few minutes, sit comfortably, breathe deeply and clear your mind of all the chatter.
• Exercise
Getting out and working up a sweat can be one of the best ways to get your mind off of things, and really appreciate what your body can do. Whether it’s an intense workout with a trainer, a yoga class, or just a walk in the park, the benefit of exercise is tremendous.
• A Hot Bath
There is nothing better than a relaxing hot bath—especially as temperatures are dropping outside—to help us relax and appreciate the moment.
It is absolute truth that we only have this moment, right now, today. Much of the pain in our lives comes from reliving past mistakes or worrying about the future. Stopping to realize how things are right now, is the only sure way to recognize that life is pretty good.
When I had cancer, it was easy to focus on each moment. I needed all of my energy just to get through the day during treatment. Getting out of bed and getting dressed was sometimes a challenge, and required all of my focus. I hate getting ready in the morning as it is—choosing an outfit, putting on make-up, and fixing my hair when I would rather still be snuggly warm in bed is not fun. Having to find a hat that matched my outfit and draw in my eyebrows was a whole new level of morning pain.
