Since I've been feeling in a bit of a funk the past couple of weeks I decided to write my Top 7 Reasons to Get Over Myself
1) Because nobody likes a victim
Seriously. When was the last time you really enjoyed hanging out with that person who just couldn't enjoy themselves, or your company, because everything was just ... not quite right? Playing the victim, makes you the victim, and it's a drain on those around you. Your best friends will always be there for you when things get tough (if they're not you have to question whether they're truly friends), but if every day is cloudy and grey and you are looking to others to lift your spirits, you're just not being fair.
I notice when I feel that way out, when I'm just grumpy and need some space - that's exactly what I should take. I'm not talking about when I need support and uplift, but when it's just a grey day. It is very tempting to moan and complain, but ultimately I end up feeling worse then when I started. As my mum would say "if you can't find anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". Sound advice!
2) Because laughter is the best medicine...
It's such a well known phrase for a reason
- Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
- Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
- Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
- Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Next time you mess up try to find the comedy, it's usually right there if you look, through the weeds of "it's not fair" and "everyone is against me" is the sheer hilarity that is real life, find it and soak it up, I guarantee you'll feel better.
3) ....not to mention the best beauty treatment
Taking yourself too seriously = frowning
Frowning = wrinkles
Chill out and save on the anti-aging!
4) Because when you have no responsibility you have no power
When we behave like the world is against us, we're essentially saying "it's not our fault". Pushing responsibility to external factors. It's a short term fix and I get it. But revoking our responsibility relinquishes our power over our own lives. Importantly, it's a learned behaviour, so start on the small stuff. It's not the fault of the Universe that the train isn't here yet and you're late for work, it's yours for not getting out of bed 5 minutes early. It's not your damn computer's fault for losing all your work, it's yours for not saving it regularly. Start to accept responsibility, put behaviour patterns and actions in place to avoid situations and you will quickly find that the world seems much lighter because much less goes wrong. It also helps you find the humour when stuff does go wrong, it's much easier to laugh when you realize you probably shouldn't have worn your Uggs out in the pouring rain and now you're squelching around like a swamp monster.
5) Because the Universe is on your side
Really it is. Truly it is. It wants you to succeed. But it's not going to give it to you easily, and it doesn't like victims either. Start listening to the lessons and accepting your place. You're here for a reason, start being grateful for that and chill the hell out!
6) Because life's too short
The quicker you can get over the little, mindless rubbish, the quicker you get to the good juicy stuff. Just let it go, flow with it. Have a bad day here and there, everyone does, but try to spend the bulk of your days happy. That way, when the proverbial s*** hits the fan, you have something to look back on; a happiness store if you will (thank you Gretchen Rubin for that idea - btw check out The Happiness Project - pretty great read)
7) Because things just aren't as bad as they seem
Usually. Okay sometimes things really are bad. But I've found, those people who are generally brighter and more optimistic and responsible for their lives, found coping with adversity and tragedy much easier. So be realistic. Is it really the end of the world? Is everyone really against you? Or are you beginning to alienate friends and reject help because you're in the depths of your own despair? Taking a really hard look at the situation often helps gain a lot of perspective.
Next time things are piling up and you feel yourself slipping into the "woe is me"s, try to be your own best friend. What would you say to someone else in your shoes?
Face your fears, laugh at your mistakes and just get over yourself. Go on...
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