fulfilling life that aligns with your spirit
How To Bounce Back When Your Mood Plummets
Published on 5 May 2008 at 9:14 am.
4 Comments.
Filed under Feature Articles,Personal Development Strategies,Spirituality & Inspiration.
“Life’s weather is but temporary. It’s the seasons that really matter. Finding balance in the storm. Life” – AnonÂ
Do you find yourself spiraling downward when something happens that you find upsetting? If you say yes, it’s not usual. Many people feel happy when something happens that they want or like and fell unhappy when something unwanted occurs.
Here’s an example:
A few years ago I was in a car accident. I had just left my house and I had a few errands to run locally. I admit I tend to drive fast and I noticed the two cars ahead of me had come to a stop. The lead car was waiting for traffic to clear in order to make a left turn. I quickly applied my brakes and saw I would be able to stop safely as I checked my rearview mirror to see who was behind me. It was evident to me that the car behind was also going too fast and was going to hit me. The impact was strong enough to push me across the opposing lane of traffic bounce off of a guardrail before I was able to stop the car.
You might say, “Boy Lorraine, not a good day!” I agree that it wasn’t what I wanted my day to be.
The downside? My car was fully paid for and, a week before had undergone major maintenance work. The accident totaled my car.
Some immediate blessings? I was bruised and unhurt and I could have been killed. Apparently, when I was hit and pushed across the road, the lead car had finally made the left turn because there was no traffic. I called a healer friend who came immediately and met me at the hospital (where I was checked out for any injuries). My chiropractor opened his office to do a session.
When I returned home, my spirits were low and I could have begun feeling sorry for myself and bemoan the ramifications of having to get a new car, etc. It was a perfect invitation for my mood to start plummeting. Instead I chose to look at the experience from a wider lens.
Here are 7 ways to shift your mood to a better place:
1. Gratitude. Focusing on all you have in your life is an immediate mood shifter. Honor the losses that might be part of any circumstance and allow your viewpoint to expand in appreciation for all the riches you have that truly matters.
2. Interrupt negative self-talk and choose a better thought to put your attention. Notice where your thoughts are focused. What stories and dramas are you creating? Are they serving to help you feel better or worse? If you’re unable to let the stories go and dramas go immediately, exaggerate it BIG. Really act it out and play with it so that it becomes absurd. It might even become funny! Click here to read my article on dealing with negative self-talk. Take a stand and choose to put your attention on a better feeling thought.
3. Accept what happened. Dwelling on the past and ruminating on the details only adds more stress and upset. What we resist, persists. The more we struggle against our unwanted life circumstances the more power we give our unhappiness to affect our present moments. It is what it is. Each moment is temporary and gives birth to the next. Acceptance opens the door to…
4. Look for the blessings. Every situation is a healing and growth opportunity. Asking questions like: What are the gifts from this experience? (Focus on the gratitude). What can I learn from this situation? Recognize everything happens for a reason even if it appears to make no logical sense. Approaching life from this perspective invites greater ease and flow. Looking through the eyes of the Victim or the Champion/Hero/Creator is a choice. Seeing your life experience with appreciations invites possibilities to unfold.Â
5. Ask for help. Reach out to your circle of friends if you need an ear, a hug, a boost or a kick in the butt to get yourself into a healthier mindset. Be willing to receive help and invite the people in your life to be a loving support if you need it!
6. Help someone. Our natural state is one of loving generosity and well-being. Extending support to another can be a great heart lifter in reconnecting us to our spirit.
7. Do something that brings you joy, makes you laugh, and feeds your spirit. A few months ago, my buddy Anita Pathik- Law and I were talking on the phone and we started laughing. The kind of laughter that turns into side-splitting laughter that continued for over 6 minutes. It was hilarious. She recorded it and if I ever need a boost, all I have to do is play it and I start laughing!
Have a great day.
Cheers 
Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz
Darlene Norris on 7 May 2008 at 8:05 am: 1
Good post. I’m glad you didn’t get hurt in the accident. Sometimes it’s hard to see the good in a bad situation, but I’ve learned that it always helps to be grateful, no matter what.
My husband is in the VA hospital right now being treated for PTSD. The episode at home that precipitated my taking him there last week was frightening and traumatic.
Right now I’m driving 120 miles round-trip every day to visit him. And it costs $70 to fill my tank with diesel every three or four days.
It would be easy to feel sorry for myself right now, but I’m grateful that he can be in a safe place to receive the treatment he needs. I’m grateful that nobody was hurt last week. I’m grateful that I have my blog to work on to keep me occupied. I’m grateful that it’s not costing a fortune because he’s a disabled vet, so he gets his treatment for free. I’m also grateful that I have a good reliable vehicle to drive, and that I can afford the diesel to put in it. I’m grateful that I can go see him every day. And I’m grateful that God’s kept me safe on the road everyday.
It says in the Bible to be thankful in all things, no matter what the situation. It does help to keep an attitude of thankfulness. Thanks for pointing this out to everyone!
lorraine on 7 May 2008 at 2:01 pm: 2
Sound like you have a full plate Darlene
Being able to feel grateful in the midst of challenging and heart-tugging situations is a blessing; an attitude and viewpoint that takes time to cultivate.
I will hold a place of healing and peace in my heart for you both!
Love, Lorraine
Bobhexa on 15 Apr 2009 at 6:48 am: 3
The word “Serendipity” is composed of a tiny inquisitive word “dip” surrounded by the word “serenity”. Let it be your guide. Rearrange the letters of “serendipity” and you will get “pre-destiny” and “inspired yet”. Consider carefully.
lorraine on 15 Apr 2009 at 9:08 am: 4
Nice rearrangement of the letters to create a sift in perspective!