Chasing the clouds away
- Nov 17, 2017
- 3 min read
If I could go ahead and sum up 2017 in one word, I would say: DAMN.
And no, not only because of our government and the chaos that surrounds our nation and world - although that's part of my overall astonishment.
But really, I just don't think that this year has turned out the way that many of us thought it would, and my heart has just felt...heavier than usual.
As many of you probably know, I have a tendency to absorb the emotions and feelings of those around me, and more often than not, make it my responsibility to fix things for others. In some cases - this is great! When things are going well and I'm surrounded by motivated, inspiring and uplifting people, the sky is the limit for me. But because this year in particular has been such a challenge for myself and my loved ones, I have often felt overwhelmed and defeated.
I consider it selfless empathy and leadership to try and fix an issue that isn't necessarily mine, but as a friend so kindly said to me recently, "Who do you think you are to assume that you can fix someone else's problem?"
And before you think that this friend was trying to be a total asshole, re-read her question coming from a good place. Because she's right - why would I think that it's my right to step in and command someone else's ship? It's absolutely not. Additionally, it's important to recognize that while I'm busy trying to take care of everyone else, my own ship needs some work too.
This goes back to my birthday challenge, The Year of Patience. I am a slight control freak, and feel overwhelmed and anxious when events and actions are out of my control. I want to constantly have a grip on the future and I think that if 2017 has taught me anything, it's that I can't rush through God's plan in order to avoid feeling uncomfortable. Patience in the process.
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to simply enjoy the moment and navigate those rough waters. Ways that are completely within your control. Here are a few areas of focus that I'm working on, especially during the holidays when (ironically) people are even more womp-womp than usual:
1. Word(s) to the wise: I stumbled upon this mantra that reminds me to find my smile and joy, even in the darkest of times: Be so happy that when others look at you, they become happy too. Yes, it's cheesy. Yes, sometimes it's going to be hard to shine through the negativity. And no, it's not going to fix everything that is going wrong. But let's be honest - more people would rather hang around Big Bird than Oscar the Grouch. Get out of that damn trash can.
2. Cut the crap: Seek out the things, people and moments that make you HAPPY, and cut back on the things that weigh you down and cause you unnecessary stress. Instead of working through your lunch break, go read a book by the fireplace. Enjoy a decadent dessert without worrying about the calories. And yes, spend one day with a friend without thinking of 100 different ways to capture it on Instagram.
3. Be compassionate: This world can seem like a cold-hearted place sometimes, but if you look around, you'll find that there are a LOT of really good people out there. Like these elementary school students, this animal shelter, and this phenomenal woman for example. Be KIND, be OPEN-MINDED, and have PATIENCE with each other. That doesn't mean you should let someone take advantage or do harm to you, but it does mean that you should remember that everyone is dealing with something. Take it easy on your fellow human beings.
4. Create the great: I think this goes a bit hand-in-hand with #2, but in addition to just finding and celebrating the good, it's important to create moments to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small it may seem. Go out of your way to genuinely compliment a stranger, volunteer for an event, hold the door open for someone - there are millions of everyday ways to spread happiness and joy to others without having to exert much energy.
Now, let's go rock the rest of 2017, shall we? See you out there.
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