Sometimes There’s Nothing Upstairs!

Have you noticed that some days, your mind doesn’t cooperate with your best-laid plans?

Do you feel like the lights are on and nobody’s home? 

Here are a few tips to ponder when the gremlins show up and bring their friends along for good measure.

First things first:  Acknowledge that something is off. You might wake up cranky or get a call from a disgruntled friend who does nothing but complain. No matter what’s going in inwardly or outwardly, pay attention to your body’s response. All the better if you either get off the phone, or help your friend let go of their negativity. Move your body and shake off the negativity.

Secondly, get curious about your inner critic (we all have one).  It’s a subtle liar with a bit of truth that stirs up doubt. “You know you’re going to fail, you’re too young, too old, etc.”  That inner voice comes with being human! It’s both subtle and also not so subtle.  Negative thinking such as, “Who do you think you are?” and “You’re going to get fired!”, are only a few of the negative tricks that slow you down and activate your insecurity.  I call that inner voice a “barking dog”. It’s loud and a bully, to boot.  Get curious and pay attention to your emotional state.  You’ll be one step closer to stopping that naysayer in its tracks.

And finally, if you can notice your state of mind, you can change it. Is it easy?  Not always, especially if there’s a trigger, either internal or external. We all go down the rabbit hole every so often. Prowess is knowing how to get out of that negative spiral.  But it CAN be done, no matter how tough things may seem.  Use movement and exercise to leave that barking dog in the dust.  Some days you may need a friend who can hold for you while you move through that experience. Hint:  You can be that best friend to yourself when no one else is available.

Remember, you are MORE powerful than you think. 

This negativity is part of being human.  Our job is to embrace the part of us that is loving, kind, compassionate, and a seeker of truth. Ironically, we must also embrace that other more negative side of our being. Knowing who we are, and what we stand for becomes far more powerful than the barking dogs.

When we make a commitment to learn and grow, let go of old resentments, and choose the path of expansion, doors will open wide.  When we change our minds and activate new ways of being, we get to make our world a better place.  Do that, and we are well on our way to lives of fulfillment.

Wishing you the best, knowing you have what it takes to notice and stop those barking dogs.  They’re not our friend. They are our strengtheners.

Here’s to a best day ever.

Stay tuned for the next stress tip!

Peace & Blessings,

Dr. Lin Morel