High Five Time to Get Positive Again Friday!

It's Friday! High five!

My hand is huge.

Today, I started out in a TERRIBLE mood! But, since I believe we can *decide* what mood to be in (and I preach it), I decided to do my best to turn it around.

This morning I had planned to do some yoga. My back has been bothering me and I'm pretty sure it's because of some tight hip flexors.

However, my little princess had a different idea. She started fussing at around 5 (alarm was set to go off at 5:15). I snuggled with her, but every time I tried to escape, she fussed some more. So I laid there with her, not able to go back to sleep, until 6, when I just decided we should both get up. I was not happy about this.

Then I get to the kitchen and it's a MESS. This may be weird, but I can't *stand* a messy kitchen in the morning. It puts me in a bad mood. So there's strike 2.

Then I found out a little bit of disappointing information. Also, the Rangers didn't win last night. All these disappointments were starting to get to me.

Also, I think my hormones are going a little crazy.. doing that girl thing they do...

So, I'm on track here for a grumpy mood and a yucky day.

I stopped and realized, I need to "check myself before I wreck myself."

Source

I'm happy to say I made a successful attitude shift. Let me tell you how I did it.

1. Embrace the suck.
I took a few moments to fully embrace the suck. I cried in the shower. I had a pity party. "Why me?" "This is so unfair!!!"

The key, however, is that I limited it. Once I got out of the shower, the pity party was over.

2. Count your blessings.
I moved on to the next step. I counted my blessings. God (or "Universe", if that's who you prefer. I'm not getting into a theological discussion here..) has been quite good about helping me with this lately. If I'm thinking, "My kids are driving me crazy!", my attention is brought to someone who's kids are sick or, heaven forbid, have passed. Suddenly having two wonderful healthy (crazy) kids is not as bad. Or if I'm grumbling about having to walk across campus, someone passes me who's limping and obviously having a much harder time than me. If you're open to it, these things are everywhere. They are humbling and help get your mind right pretty quickly.

3. Laugh about something.
I have a few things that I pull out when I'm grumpy that just make me laugh. A funny story, a funny tv show, anything... Just laugh a little... and *let* yourself.

I think most people take themselves too seriously. I really believe you can always find something amusing. Try looking at yourself. I think I'm hilarious. Even on bad mornings, I can find something funny in the situation.

Whatever you have to do to get a big, sincere, laugh- well, do it. You will immediately relax (trust me).

Keep in mind, there will be days you may have to do this more than once. Some days *are* overwhelming. But, I promise, it's worth it. Choosing a positive attitude really is much more fun!

So, I hope you have a great weekend, and I'll leave you with a question, because I love hearing from you:

How do you shake yourself out of a funk? Share your tips!