I admit that I’ve been guilty of throwing myself what can only be described as the world’s most self-indulgent pity party over the past few weeks. My emotions have really gone through the ringer as sadness gave way to anxiety, which settled into anger before landing squarely in a field of despair. Staring into the abyss of unemployment just a few weeks shy of the most wonderful time of the year has made me feel like the most neurotic and bipolar Grinch on the planet.
Thankfully, I have some pretty kickass friends who raise me up when I am sobbing into my mimosas. Saturday I made my way though the drunk Santas on Seventh Avenue (because whee, Santacon!) to brunch with girls I haven’t seen in ages. There’s no therapy in the world that comes close to spending quality time with strong women who understand and completely support one another. They reassured me that yes, I’d be fine and that there really IS a silver lining in all of this, even if I can’t see it just yet.
I am finally starting to believe that they are right.
Over the weekend I also started reading a new book, which has helped me process some of my feelings and channel them into a more productive outlet. The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon is at once a cheerful and completely cheesy introduction to 10 lessons about life, love, and the true pursuit of happiness. I’ve been able to let go of fears more readily because of some of the more hokey advice mapped out on the pages. It reminds me of the three words that initially attracted me to Bryan: Positive Mental Attitude.
When we are tested, it’s really all that we have.
I’m learning that in life and especially in the face of great adversity we are given two choices—we can either let circumstances defeat us or we can bring positive energy into all that we do and simply trust our instincts. It’s not always easy and there are certainly times in my own life when I fall prey to my own “woe is me” moments, but I am trying to make more of a concerted effort to fuel my words, thoughts, and actions with a healthy outlook and good vibes.
The book has some heavy religious undertones, which I didn’t realize before I started reading (I can really only take Jesus talk in small doses), but it wasn’t the main focus so I kind of glanced over some of those parts. I don’t mean to offend anyone who is religious of course… just not for me.
Have you read The Energy Bus? Do you sometimes struggle to infuse your life with positive energy?
Akaleistar says
Friends really are the best therapy! I haven’t read The Energy Bus, but it sounds interesting.
Tamara says
I think a positive mental attitude is life-saving. Life-changing, in the least.
So glad you know that you are loved and supported, and yes, you will be ok.
I am not religious so I do struggle with finding eases for my anxiety that are about Jesus. It’s just not my way, personally.
Jodene says
Oh hunny, I get you. There must be something in the air but there’s also the wisdom and support that surrounds us, to get us through. Thinking of you with warm South African smiles 🙂
Krysten says
Interesting. And I’ve been thinking about you and hoping you find what you need.
AwesomelyOZ says
Hope you’re feeling better and get yourself out of that funk soon! 🙂 Holiday season is a sucky time to a) get laid off and b) get hired, unless it’s retail. To get a stable gig is hard because everyone is on vacay and things are slower. Hope you get something soon and take this time as a mini -vacay. Glad you have supportive friends to pick you back up! Take Care Charlotte and keep your spirits high! -Iva
Tracy says
Friends really are the best medicine, huh? Happy to hear you’re making your way closer to positivity. It’s really easier said than done though, right? I struggle a lot with the “woe is me” mentality lately. But this line especially hit home and I’m grateful for it: “we can either let circumstances defeat us or we can bring positive energy into all that we do and simply trust our instincts.” Trusting our instincts is hard but completely necessary. Thanks for those positive words, Charlotte. Wishing that you get closer and closer to whatever you wish for this holiday season and far beyond!
trininista says
Someone told me once that you have to own your dreams. Just grab them and will them into being. I believe in bringing positivity to every challenge…so sending you a good serving of some.