I spent most of yesterday feeling sorry for myself. This happens from time to time, and it's always ugly. There's no good reason for this, in fact quite the opposite: there are many good things in my life at the moment. But misery loves to focus on what we haven't got rather than what we have, doesn't it? And as we all know, misery loves company. It's amazing how quickly I can make a list as long as my arm of things that will change my life and cheer me up.
Anyway, today's a new day, and instead of moping about with the wanties, I've made a plan. Every day this week I'm going to do ALL the things on the list below. They're only little things, and it's not that I don't do these things sometimes, it's that I don't do them every day. And when I don't make things a habit, they get forgotten, and then they loom large and seem too difficult.
Everyday this week then, I am going to:- Do a drawing
- Eat two apples
- Drink 'enough' water
- Wear a bright colour
- Do 20 minutes of some kind of housework
- Do some form of exercise
All photographs were taken at the beautifully romantic garden at Mapperton Hall near where we stayed in Dorset.
19 comments:
I do so know what you mean - I get the "grey blanket" from time to time and add to my miseries guilt at feeling thus when I have so many blessings in reality! I guess we must accept that this is how we are and wait patiently for the mood to pass. I think you list sounds good and hope it works for you. Lovely photos by the way.
A list always makes me feel like I'm taking action even before I do anything on it! The list sounds good - look forward to hearing how you do!
I can highly recommend the exercise bit - I have taken up jogging (after a lifetime of being a non-sporty arty type) and now try to get out at least 4 times a week - it's quite amazing the wonderful effect this half hour of my day gives me, had I known how good it feels I'd have taken it up years ago, and maybe avoided some of MY black dog days in the past.
Yes, I know what you mean. It's often a combination of tiredness, being too busy and feeling unsupported that brings it on for me. Good intentions are easy but action, especially for one's own benefit, can get too low a priority. I know that walking is good for me but my daily walk keeps getting missed! Your list is a great idea. I wish you well as I follow your lead and make one for myself. Thank you!
Shudder. I think that feeling low from time to time is a natural part of life. I struggle enormously with having the sort of day to describe so well in your post but I keep reminding myself that I shall bob back up soon enough. One of the worst things about feeling sorry for yourself is that you can feel a little out of control of your own life which is why your list is an excellent idea; it gives you the opportunity of managing things again.
A good idea.
Mapperton is wonderful, as is west Dorset. Good luck with your list.
My version of this is feeling that things are not getting done and that everything is out of control. Then I stomp about doing some of the things I can do and thoroughly getting up the nose of my OH whose name is on some of the other things. I like your list: simple, easy to do, practical. Good luck with it.
Oh my goodness how this post spoke to me, I too have (as Churchill said) a 'black dog' that comes to visit now and again. Is it tiredness, hormones, having too much to do but not enough time to do it? Probably yes to all of the above. Instead of kicking the dog into oblivion I let it sit on my chest, do nothing and communicate as little as possible. It is good to know I am not alone....and if I may I shall adopt your list as that black scoundrel has been skirting around my house....good luck!
Setting a target is a good thing. While you work towards it, it gives you something to focus on to take your mind off the unhelpful thoughts, and when you achieve it you have something good to look back on as an anchor when things go awry again.
I set myself the target of swimming in the Great North Swim this year and it worked and is dtill working. I also have my very first sports medal to be proud of
I think great minds are more prone to this kind of 'depression' - just look at the list of books you've read and all you do on this blog!!!
Hello Sue, from NYC, where the heat and humidity leave most of us just trying to keep hydrated and in reach of some sort of air-conditioned place.
My ac place is the shop, but unfortunately I cannot spend 24 hours there. Would not want to, really, truly.
I did like this post of yours and think that I indeed catch all that you have offered to us, your readers.
Lists. I sometimes find them useful, but often feel a bit liberated by not writing them down. Often the really deeply inscribed of these lists find a way to make an impression into my dream time. Guess the gates are open then.
I know what a marvelously unique artist you are, Sue. List what you wish, I know that your inner creativity will emerge in its own choice of time. xo
Hey Sue, great idea to write a list as a visual reminder. I think it gives you a sense of order and control as well.
The exercise part sounds a bit ho hum but I know it's necessary. I like to put on some music a particularly happy song and dance 'cos no one is watching and the cat doesn't care, lol..............
I feel energised and happy if not exhausted afterwards. Makes it much more interesting.
Hope you manage to stick to your list.
Claire :}
I like your list - you could always have a pear instead of an apple.
And the last two can be combined into one if you are energetic enough. Just dance around with the duster and hop with the Hoover! ;)
I'm sure you are following your plan without any efforts! And you are already feeling better, aren't you? It sounds so easy to focus upon the beautiful and happy things in your life, than to feel pity about yourself... So easy when it concerns the others... But still everything depends on circumstances! And in my situation, the only thing that brings me joy every day for sure is... blogging.:)I have to postpone the writing of a similar list for another time...
I know just how you feel - I like the idea of a list
A great way to move through a "funk." It is easy to focus on the negative, and I think it's wonderful you have a plan to change it. I really like this idea, and will remember it. I've made walking a priority again recently myself.
Its no wonder you feel down with this weather. I hope you are back to your usual self soon and drawing /cleaning/walking/eating/drinking/and generally sparkling in a brightly coloured ensemble.
I went shopping with a friend in Manchester last week and she encouraged me to buy an orange linen jacket and a bright aqua raincoat. I wore the latter today and felt quite different. I'm usually so drab. I recommend it.
I think I would replace the housework with knitting...great idea to make a list like that...hope you are well...I always try and count my blessings at bed time so I drift off feeling positive.....
I think I would replace the housework with knitting, too! Knitting is much better for the soul. And if you don't feel like formal exercise, I find just going out for a walk, especially at the quieter times of day, really helps. I am sure grey skies don't help - I usually feel cheerful in the summer, but this summer's dreariness is making it difficult.
Pomona x
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