How Are You Reacting?
I know I always write about something along the lines of, "what to do when…. Life" but that’s because something always happens to me that causes me to have these conversations. Yesterday I was leaving an interview and I left my credit cards at home so I got stuck in a parking garage downtown, and to make things worse I got shit on my a bird. This isn’t a big deal, but adding this to other events that have been happening it sent me over the edge. I absolutely despise birds and anything that either flies or has feathers so that was a major kick in the face for me. #worsthourofmylife.
I'm one of those people that always says, "well it cant get any worse than this", and then something worse happens. Idk maybe if I start saying, "well it cant get any better than this", it just might! If you have ever driven through downtown LA you see a lot of poverty, and it will definitely remind you of your blessings but I was still too deep in my feelings to appreciate it. So this takes me to my point. Something I have been working on is my reaction time. For example, I felt defeated by something so little. So I’m working on snapping out of that mindset quicker. Process it and move on, and this is how I do it.
Cry it out, scream, punch the air, then shape up!
You can't be out here in your feelings about something that isn't in your control.
Don’t victimize yourself.
You are not your current situation. Your current circumstances NAH!
Count your blessings.
I know we always want more, and are trying to figure out how to get to the next level, but there are people praying for what you have right now.
If you need to, ask for help.
This is my least favorite thing to do. It's up there with how I feel about birds, but I needed help. I was stuck. I had to ask my sister to pay for me to get out the parking garage. Something so simple right!
(mental note: things you may consider easy and simple can be difficult for others!)
If you need too, lean on a friend for that extra encouragement.
When I got home I gave Erika, and Victoria the play by play of what happened because they give me the tough love I need sometimes to snap me out of it. Y’all they laughed so hard, I got mad all over again! I honestly wanted them to be upset with me, but in fact its just real silly and it could’ve happened to anybody. Then Erika text me a list of things to be grateful for:
Your parents are healthy and lively
Your health is good - you don’t have any ailments that prevent you from living and breathing on your own
You’re living in your dream city still covered by grace and you haven’t missed one meal
You have laughed more times in one week that people do in a whole month
You have a great support system in your friends
God still trusts you to do something only you can do
You still have passion - which means you still have hope- without hope most people die
You have phenomenal hair (its the little things!)
You’re loved
You’re talented
Your bills are paid, you have a home, and a new car
You’re richer than most people (not just in finances but in health, and relationships)
My point in saying all this is life happens and how you let it affect you matters. Make sure you react appropriately. Process your feelings then shape up!