Who among us hasn’t had a bad
day? You know those days when you wake
up on the wrong side of the bed. You
hate your job, your apartment, your friends, and dread the day ahead because
you just know it’s going to be just awful.
It happens occasionally, but when this becomes a cycle there is a
problem. When that bad feeling becomes
normal we need to stop and examine things.
Maybe the problem is just
attitude and we need to make an adjustment and count our blessings. It’s great if that’s the case. Then we just do a little soul searching and
try harder to look on the bright side.
Sometimes taking a little time to focus on the needs of others can put
things in perspective.
However, sometimes we find that
our past choices or perhaps circumstances have put us in place that is just not
good for us. Maybe we’re in a
relationship that isn’t healthy.
Sometimes our workplaces can do us more harm than good. Maybe we’re surrounded by negative people or
even dangerous people. If this is the
situation there is always a way out. Any
type of change can be frightening but moving toward a more positive and healthy
life is worth facing our fears.
If you find yourself in this
kind of situation and someone that cares about you offers you a way out, check
your pride at the door and take it.
Sometimes we can get so lost that we forget that there are people who
love us and are praying for us to take a step in the right direction. Most of us will find that if we step outside
ourselves and ask for help that it is there waiting for us.
Lastly,
never underestimate the importance of being there for yourself. If you truly want love others and to be loved
by others you must first love yourself. If
you put bad things into your body you are going to start feeling physically
un-well. When your body feels bad your
attitude and your emotions will follow.
Most of us know the basics. We
eat hot dogs and cheese puffs when we know we should be eating real whole foods
(grains, poultry /fish, vegetables, dairy).
We drink alcohol when we know we’re dehydrated and should be drinking
more water. I’m not a purist by any
means but I know what a difference healthy living and spending a little time
caring for yourself can make.
So if
you’re not taking care of yourself start.
If you’re thinking negatively do the hard thing and think positive. If you know you’re making unhealthy choices
start making healthy ones, and if you’re in a bad place reach out and find a
way out. I’m not saying any of this is
easy or that you’ll get it right on the first try just that it’s worth trying
and there is a light at the end of the tunnel, so get on that train.
Maria J. Speake
(Photo found at http://liz-green.com/ )
