Finding yourself in a slump

"If you can be okay with the changing moods that people have (even your own), you'll live with more peace of mind. Your openness to change will enable you to go with the flow of life."

It happens to each and everyone of us at some point in our lives, and usually it happens several times a year. It's an uncomfortable state of mind and it can be quite unsettling. At first you try to talk yourself out of the feeling, but then only realize it is not going to be that easy. It doesn't matter if people are telling you it will be okay, you don't think it will at that moment, thus it feels as if it's going to last forever. You try to wake up on the right side of the bed; you practice positive affirmations; you go for a walk; you get to the gym; you indulge a little in chocolate thinking the best cure for this feeling will work this time; you talk with someone hoping the company will ease the frustrating emotions. Unfortunately, this particular time, the mood is almost impossible to shake and nothing seems to help. You have found yourself in a SLUMP, and there's no telling when you will be able to climb out of it.

My friends, I know exactly how this feels. Honestly, though a bit smaller than others I have found myself in during previous times, you could say I am experiencing a slump. I'm not afraid to admit this, for I hope it will help you feel more comfortable. This happens to the best of us and it's okay. See, I am a believer in the "feel it, deal with it, cry about it, and then get out of it" philosophy. Right now I am in the first stage, feel it. I am worried about my twin sister who has been deployed to Iraq. I miss my mother. I am upset that my father could not make his visit here. I am scared of the sun and wish I could just sit by the beach in a skimpy bikini, drinking a margarita and not worry about skin cancer. There are times I wish I could see my sweetie more than I do. My right leg has been aching beyond just a little soreness so my workouts have had to change and this has frustrated me. And - as if there really could be more - at times I feel inadequate. Geese, now it sounds like I am complaining..........but really - and I know this is true - I am just saying what you may all be feeling at times but are scared to sound ungrateful, ridiculous, and depressed. Woo! (I feel better already.)

So what do we do when we have found ourselves in a slump? As stated earlier, we have to feel it, deal with it, cry about it, and then get out of it. However, I don't have one answer that will solve this slump problem, for I don't think one true answer exists. My father will always tell me to dig inside and find out what is making me feel this particular way. He is on to something with this, but sometimes - and this is what's most frustrating - I don't know why I can only focus on the "slumpish" thoughts and not revel in the good in my life. It just seems easier to eat a whole bowl of popcorn with peanut M&Ms while watching every tear provoking movie there is available on Netflix. And maybe this is the process of it all! How could we truly appreciate the good if we do not recognize the not so good? Because in reality, the not so good is really not so bad, but it's just at that one particular moment it feels horrible. Isn't this okay? Even when there's others out there experiencing a lot more awful stuff, our problems are still ours, they are relative, and they stop us from moving forward in life, thus the slump! (I ate two very big bowls of popcorn last night.)

So what do we do? My mother said the other day, "You have to live life as if it matters." Hmmm. How profound, and true. Not easy when you are in a slump, but it is a good step to take to get yourself out of what is holding you down. Think about it. Live life as if it matters. My sister will be okay. I will see my mother and father soon. As long as I am cautious and use sunblock, I can still enjoy the sun. My leg will heal with much needed rest and recovery. My sweetie and I will have more time together once the remodeling of his house is finished. And I am not inadequate!

What if tomorrow was my last day? Would I be satisfied with how I lived today? Would you? So feel the slump. Deal with it. Cry about it. And then get yourself out of it. For today may be the best day to go out and discover, explore, and experience. Live life as if it matters.