In follow up to my last post in which I talked about emotional seasons and my most recent angry season; I'd now like to talk about what has helped me move on from the anger and into a fresh and beautiful new season of renewal and happiness.
In that last post I figured out what was causing me so much anger and I talked a bit about what I was doing to move through it but now I'd like to present you with some specific strategies that worked for me and I believe can help anyone going through tough times.
Concentrate on the things I love:
What do I love to do and what makes me happy and how can I make time for these things?
For me these things include: baking, cooking, gardening, reading, writing, weight-lifting, running, rollarblading, swimming, yoga, time with loved ones, time in nature and with animals, dancing, music and spending time for myself and allowing myself time to be creative.
Now ask yourself: what are the things that make me happy, the things that make time fly when I'm doing them?
Think about it, write it down, carve out time for them and get busy doing them and being happy.
Talk it out with a close friend, family member and/or professional:
Who in my life is the person or people that I feel comfortable talking with?
I find it's best to talk to someone that will be a good listener because sometime you just need to vent it out without comments or advice. Find someone who you trust and who you feel can be an unbiased third party observer.
I find talking with someone who is intimately connected is not always the best route because their emotions will be running high as well.
If you don't feel like talking about it then write it down. Journaling can be a very useful and therapeutic way to heal as well.
Warning with this however: talk or write it out once and then leave it, because rehashing it over and over again doesn't change anything and it doesn't make you feel any better, trust me. If you find yourself obsessively thinking about it then it's time to consider talking to a professional.
Channel my emotions into something positive:
What lessons have I learned, what difference can I make in other peoples lives that'll prevent myself and others from feeling this way in the future?
This means finding a positive from the negative by putting myself to work in a meaningful way that'll hopefully make a difference in other peoples lives. Not only does this help someone else but it also makes me feel better and distracts me from my thoughts.
Writing this blog is a great way for me to do just that. What is one positive action you can take today to make yourself and others feel better?
Work it out through healthy outlets:
Do I have a regular healthy practice that I can throw myself and my emotions into?
I have a regular exercise routine that I find is the best way for me to work through some of the anger and negative emotions that sometimes come up as a consequence of being human and living on this planet.
I lift weights, run, swim, do yoga and meditate. What are your healthy outlets for anger and frustration?
Focus on yourself and take a break:
In what ways can I give myself a break and show myself self-care and love?
Sometimes it's just a matter of giving myself time and space off and away from regular life in order to heal and work through my emotions.
I take time for myself by saying no to others and many of the outside demands on my time. I also make time for self-care rituals such as taking a bath, getting a massage, getting a facial, getting my nails done or going on vacation.
What is one small act of self-care you can do today?
Remember that life is a gift and every day is precious:
How can I live my life to the fullest every day in order to celebrate this gift of life I've been given?
I think this one is pretty self-explanatory and a very personal question. The answer will change throughout life but as long as it's asked and answered regularly is the important part.
Time to accept your fate and give yourself time to heal:
How long will it take me to heal?
The answer to that one is unknowable. Therefore I must accept that it'll take time to heal and the length of time it takes will be different every time.
I accept that my emotions are valid and that what has happened has happened. I also accept that I can't force myself to feel better, sometimes it just takes time and that's ok.
If you are going through a hard time in your life or you are supporting someone else going through something then I hope this helps. I know that writing this has already helped me so thank you for reading and sharing.
Leave a comment: what are some ways that work for you in helping you heal from hard times?
I'm looking forward to the sunrise on a beautiful new uncommonly wealthy day!
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