Life is Rough

Let's face it. Life ain't easy! My mom would respond to our childish "That's not fair!" quotes with a stern "Life ain't fair!"

And boy was she right!!??!! (for the umpteenth time...)

From time to time we get down. Get in a funk. Get depressed. Whatever word you use to describe a feeling of blah-ness. I am the epitomy of blah right now. But, I shall rebound, this I know for sure.

The next time you feel blue try one (or more) of these to see what works for you.

So, here are the Top Ten Ways to Cheer Up by Jerry Lopper

1. Breathe
Breathing is normally a subconscious function, but conscious breathing can help reduce stress and tension. Focusing on your breathing keeps your attention on the present moment and is a common component of meditation, a proven stress reducer. Breathe deeply and slowly, noticing each breath you inhale and exhale.2. Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine. Keep handy a book of jokes or a favorite comic strip cartoon. When you feel blue, immerse yourself in the humor and go for a stomach-aching full laugh. Deep laughter improves your immune system and helps you keep life's problems in perspective.

3. Return to Nature

Go for a walk in a park, sit by a fountain, or gaze at a poster of your favorite ocean or mountain scene. Reflecting on a beautiful natural scene can lift your spirits.

4. Gratitude
Make a brief list of three to five things in your life for which you are grateful. Reflect on each item and identify the positive way it impacts your life.

5. Give of Yourself
Providing an uplifting message or thought to someone else also uplifts you. Call an elderly relative or friend. Offer a few minutes of your time to baby-sit or walk the dog for a busy neighbor. Helping another moves your focus and will improve your spirits.

6. Exercise
A brisk walk or any other form of physical exercise will improve your mood. Weed the garden or clean the house. The physical activity will help lift your mood.7. Daydream
Recall a great vacation or a wonderful family reunion. Reflect on a card or letter someone sent you that was touching and showed they cared for you.

8. Use a Strength
We all have unique strengths, capabilities at which we are particularly talented. Use one or more of your strengths in some activity.
9. Tend Something You Care About
Tend to a garden, a favorite house plant, a pet, or your car. When we tend something we provide a loving, caring attention to it that is a form of giving. Tending is not a chore, it's a blessing.

10. Apologize
Guilt and regret can hang around us like a lead weight, bringing on mild depression without our awareness of the cause. Offer up a sincere apology for things you've done or said that offended or hurt another. You'll feel the relief of your burden of regret even if you aren't able to personally deliver the apology. Offering it up to the Universe is sufficient.

So these will be My Top Ten Ways To (try) and Cheer Up today:
1. I already breathe deeply. I have anxiety, I have to. Or else I die. - Check!
2. I always do that. Mostly at myself. I guess that is a good thing. - Check!
3. This I don't do near enough. Although today I summoned a friend at work, Susan, to just get me out of this hell hole known as work. It helped. - Check!
4. I am gonna just choose three today. (1) My God (2) My family (3) My friends
5. I try and always be there to lend a helping hand. To a neighbor. A friend. A complete stranger. I know how great I feel when someone helps me, so I try and do this a lot.
6. Not nearly enough. I'll work on that....wait! Does chasing Layla count? Does dancing with Layla count? Does running up and down the stairs at work at least four times a day count? Oh! I'll work on that....I sure do miss Pilates!!!
7. Not a problem. I am having a hard time focusing now a days. I wish I was on one of those beds....
8. My strengths? I think I need to define exactly what they are? Can someone help me with this?
9. I tend to Richard everyday. I tend to Layla everyday. Perhaps I will tend to ME today?
10. And I am sorry to myself. For neglecting my inner body. And I am sorry to God. For losing sight of what matters. I pray He can help me be a better person.