Skip to main content

SMILE, it could be worse

That's what I always tell myself when I'm angry over something that really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

Isn't it funny how many of the things we complain about are ones that we might not even remember in a year's -- or even a week's-- time?

We sweat the small stuff. We make mountains out of molehills, all while other people out there have it far worse.

Whenever you feel tempted to sound off about something that's bothering you, stop and ask yourself whether getting all bent out of shape is really beneficial.

That's not to say you shouldn't stand up for yourself, or that you should keep silent when someone is doing something that isn't on the up and up.

However, we often say and do things that we later come to regret because we let our emotions get the best of us. We feel so compelled to win an argument or get our way that all rational thinking goes out the window.

When I find myself in such a negative emotional state, I take a breather and say, "I'm thankful for all my blessings. Others would love to be in my position."

That alone changes my mindset -- and, in turn, my attitude -- completely.

When you shift from focusing on something you're not happy about to the things that make you smile and are thankful for, it makes a huge difference on how the rest of your day goes.

The trick is to stop such negative thoughts from trickling into your mind.

We're all human and are bound to get upset over something at some point. But we can't let our worries and gripes fester, as this may lead to depression, anxiety, and other negative health outcomes.

Talk to a friend or counselor if you need to. Allow yourself to enjoy hobbies and pursuits that will distract your mind.

Believe that things will get better and they will. Keep your head up and don't lose hope. When you stop and think about it, your life is probably a lot better than many of the people you come across out in the world.

Focus on bigger, better things. Remain in control of your thoughts; don't let them control you!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

This will spell the end of your relationship

When asked to think about the most common culprits for a relationship's going south, most people will point to cheating, complacency, and taking one's partner for granted. While these are all valid -- and documented in various posts on this blog -- there are certain habits on the part of partners that may not kill the relationship right away, but cause it to erode more gradually.  Among the most egregious of these is expecting your significant other to be perfect. They pick at your follies any chance they get. Nothing you do is ever good enough. In fact, you will never measure up to an ex, neighbor, or accomplished co-worker.  Perhaps this all sounds a bit familiar.  When you feel as though you're constantly being put under the microscope, it can inflict lasting damage on the relationship and your self-esteem. You're walking on eggshells all the time, praying you don't say or do something that's going to trigger your partner. This is no way to live, let alone ca

No response from someone IS a response

Make no mistake about it: When you don't get a response from someone -- whether they fail to answer your texts or return your phone calls -- it is  still a response, and a powerful one at that. When a person fails to respond, it's a direct reflection of their interest -- or lack thereof -- in the relationship. Few things are more aggravating than having to hound a partner, friend, or relative for some sort of reply after we've reached out to them. Yes, we get busy from time to time, but that doesn't give anyone the right to leave the other person hanging. A terse text with something like "Been busy, will reach out soon" doesn't say much, but at least it shows some effort to bring the other person up to speed on why they've fallen off the radar. Failing to provide a response for weeks -- if not months -- communicates that you are just not a priority, and that you'll have to wait your turn to get this individual's attention. This is n

Misconceptions about quiet people

Earlier today, I came across a Facebook page that features motivational quotes intended to improve people's moods and enhance their overall self-esteem. Interestingly, I noticed two quotes that focus specifically on quiet people: "Be afraid of quiet people; they're the ones who actually think." "The quietest people have the loudest minds." I've observed that most people's views of quiet individuals can fall under one of two categories: 1. The ones who say quiet people are antisocial, suspicious, snobbish, and/or full of themselves. 2. The people who say their introspective nature and propensity to be deep in thought makes them smarter than their more garrulous peers. The quotes above speak to this mindset. As an introvert known to be quiet at work and at social functions where I might not know anyone, I feel I'm well positioned to dispel any inaccuracies surrounding quiet folks. First of all, the above statements misguidedly put