The idea of “perspective” has been on my mind a lot lately. I had a friend call me last week who was struggling with having “perspective” professionally because she was having difficulties personally. Another friend of mine and I chatted for a little over 2 hours about life in general..and the difficulties of finding that “perspective” when life is tough.
So…I thought today I would blog a bit about how I force myself to have perspective in tough times. There are most definitely days when I find myself feeling down or moments when I have a hard time finding a happy place. Like anyone, life throws its hardships my way as well.
However, I realize that life is also not patient and will not wait on me. Minutes will continue to pass and time will continue to fly by…and to be honest, life is just too short.
A few things that I do to find that “perspective” when I’m down are the following:
WHAT I AVOID:
*WATCHING TV: It’s easy for me to just get lost in a TV show…but the reality of that is it’s not only unproductive but I tend to watch the most sappy, lifetime-type shows when I’m down. And let’s be honest…that’s just not smart.
*SLEEPING: Yes! I know I should sleep because being well rested will help anyone feel better. I suppose I mean that sleeping excessively doesn’t help me. I find that it creates an unproductive environment and an atmosphere for feeling down. So instead…I try to get out and enjoy a bit of sunlight.
*EATING: When I’m down the easiest thing for me, is to drive through McDonald’s or the nearest yogurt stop. But when I’m done eating my temporary fix…I feel even worse about myself. So, I try to reposition my brain to fix a healthy meal…which leaves me feeling MUCH better anyway!
*STAYING HOME: I’m the first to admit that when I’m not feeling good about life in general, I want to just lock myself in a room and never come out. But getting out and doing something…especially surrounding myself with friends in a positive environment is so nice.
WHAT I DO:
*WORKOUT: As TOUGH as it is …. when I’m down I force myself to get up and to go to the gym. The release of chemicals post-workout can get me through a rough patch. I also find success in tunneling negative energy into something positive.
*TALK ABOUT IT: If it’s a major issue, I’ll find a professional. If its just a minor bump in the road, sometimes I just invite a friend over or stop in to visit someone I love.
*WRITE ABOUT IT: I find writing super relaxing. I may use my blog as a public sort of journal but I do write in a personal journal as well. I find that the transition from my thoughts to seeing it visually to be such a relief! It’s amazing how something so simple can be so helpful!!!
CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE! :: I find that focusing my thoughts on something positive always helps. A bit of “mind over matter” can go a long way!
I realize that none of these things are “easy” … but with effort, I’ve found success in changing my perspective when times are stressful or hard.
I am so thankful for my friend Mia of Root Floral Design! A few weeks ago, Mia brought by this bouquet of flowers “just because.” It really made my day and reminded me that the small moments of happiness in life are what really matters. 😉
Live Simply, Love Freely,
Catherine
Catherine, thanks so much for this post! I agree that, especially as artists and small-business owners where so much of what we do can be self-focused, it can be hard to keep perspective. I have been thinking about this a lot lately as well and your post came at a wonderful time!