I realize I am blessed. I have a great job. I work at an excellent school. I have an outstanding family, and I have amazing friends. Who could ask for anything more?
Anyone else singing that last part?
Anyway, it seems I have a penchant for honing in on the negative. I let one bad teacher make me feel as if no one teacher is giving enough. However, in reality, my school is full of ROCKSTAR teachers. I let one irritating administrator get under my skin, and I start feeling like I hate my job. However, I have so many amazing administrator friends who are out of this world EXCELLENT at what they do.
So, I find myself asking, “Why focus on the negative?”
So, why do we let the bad occupy our focus?
(I say we, but it may just be me.)
I’ve heard many people say that exercise helps release stress; however, I’m so mentally exhausted when I get home, I have become a couch potato. It doesn’t help that I hate the cold, so I’m not motivated to get out of my house when the weather is yucky.
I’ve heard that drinking can relieve stress; however, I would much rather eat chocolate than drink alcohol. Neither will help me lose those 15 extra pounds I carry around.
Nonetheless, here are some ways I try and deal with the crazy and try and stay sane.
No, I haven’t conquered sanity yet, but I’m working on it…
1. I have GENTLE written on my mirror, so when I get ready every morning, I remember to be gentle with others.
(Sometimes I forget my focus word in the middle of the insanity at work.)
2. I try to remember the blessings in my life.
3. I try to take a moment to think through what I am about to say…do I really want those words spoken outloud? How would I feel if someone said those words to me?
4. I listen to music. I’m blessed to have a string orchestra outside my office that soothes my soul. Sometimes I sing when no one can hear me.
5. I share my irritation with those who understand I just need to talk it out.
This I think I do too often. No one wants to be a complainer or be around a complainer.
6. I Pinterest quotes that are uplifting.
7. I read those quotes I pinned…sometimes several times.
8. I laugh as much as possible. Laughter and chocolate make everything better!
9. Chocolate!
10. Did I mention chocolate??
