How to Feel Better About Almost Anything
29846
Society > Inspiration
Jun 20, 2007
momscape
How to Feel Better About Almost Anything
"Sitting around is stressful." I heard someone say that the other day, and I laughed. Everything stresses people out these days, I thought. But then I gave it a little consideration, and I agreed that few things are as stressful as doing nothing. Here is an example: Think about the familiar inner debate about whether you can fit in a workout. You know how good you will feel afterwards. You know how much your body wants it. Needs it. I know I need a good run when my head starts feeling fuzzy. Thoughts come and go, but there is nothing important going on up there. I know what I could do to make the blurriness go away, but I just do not want to. It is like trying to find something without my glasses on. I know what I could do to make it better. I know the solution is really simple, but it is somehow too much. I do not want to go get my glasses. I would rather bump around the world for a while. And when I finally break free of that and go do something, there comes the clarity. The drama of it always strikes me. It rushes in like I have opened the drapes. Once I am running or biking or doing whatever it is I decide to do, really hard, the sheer joy of movement breaks me out of that fuzzy, stagnant state of mind. I feel the hair flopping on my head. My heartbeat in my face. Something comes in and sweeps out my head, and I look back to the blurry world of 30 minutes before, and I thank God I found the motivation. When you get your body moving, you suddenly become clear on what needs to be done. All at once, fresh ideas and a renewed energy and creativity tumble in. The Antidote to Anxiety We have heard it again and again in the days since September 11th. The antidote to anxiety is some kind of action. When we feel scared or worried, we have got to get up and regain control, even if it feels like too much at first. We have to disarm the paralyzing nature of fear by doing something. Anything. If we can just get moving, we will find the energy to help those in need. We will connect to something larger than ourselves, and then we will tap its energy. It does not have to be a big world sweeping movement. In Seat of the Soul, Gary Zukav says it well: "If you wish the world to become loving and compassionate, become loving and compassionate yourself. If you wish to diminish fear in the world, diminish your own. These are the gifts you can give." It is simple, but you have got to be the one to get up and deliver the gift. Tell a friend how much you appreciate her. Pray, however you define it. Be kind. Volunteer. Find a problem that you want to help solve; do an Internet search for ways you can help. I hear a lot about the importance of taking "baby steps." Each time I hear that phrase I think of my oldest daughter learning to walk. She was so bowlegged that, standing, she looked like she was attempting the splits. Every few steps, she would topple over and, seconds later, up would come her little bottom and she would push up with her hands, lean forward and try to keep her feet moving as fast as her head. Her determination was inspiring. To me, baby steps are about breaking something big into manageable chunks, but it is also about the will to just keep moving, no matter what. And that brings to mind my high school English teacher, Mrs. Wasserstein. There are two things I remember about her: lots of clumpy black mascara and a writing tip on which I have based a career. She offered the revolutionary idea that you can erase what you start with. The key is to just get started, and, once you get in the groove, the product is usually pretty good. She must have gotten along well with my Algebra teacher, who once scrawled on his classroom wall with a red Sharpie, "Do not just sit there like you are getting a perm. Do something. Even it is wrong." Granted, he was no Gary Zukav, but there is some wisdom there. To feel better about anything at all, take a tip from a tot. Lean your head forward and try to keep up with your feet.
Susie Cortright is the founder of several popular websites, including Susies-Coupons.com, BestSelfHelp.com and Momscape.com, where you can register to win gift cards from top online merchants.
send email to momscape
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
The holidays are a time to revel in the gratitude and love we feel for one another. Here are 25 meaningful ways to celebrate your togetherness this season.
Category:
There is just something about a Daddy. Here, we salute the fathers and grandfathers of the world.
Category:
"Sitting around is stressful." I heard someone say that the other day, and I laughed. Everything stresses people out these days, I thought. But then I gave it a little consideration, and I agreed that few things are as stressful as doing nothing.
Category:
You can stay at home with your children while still advancing in your career. So how do you make it work? Here are seven tips.
Category:
An essay on slowing down and savoring the summer season with your family.
Category:
Treadmills ensure that the runner in you never has to sit out for a season. Here are a few points to consider when you begin your treadmill running regimen.
Category:
Five tips and ideas to help your children get started with personal journaling.
Category:
The popular herbal potions of today promise better sleep, less fatigue, reduced anxiety, even help in the battle against depression. Here's a primer.
Category:
Here is a meal by meal guide to eating for energy and managing your mood with food.
Category:
A reminder of just how much our babies need us, no matter how tall they have grown.
Category:
The purpose of a present is to make the recipient feel treasured, and with a little special care in the gift wrap, you can do just that. Here are 24 creative gift wrap ideas.
Category:
Few things are as rewarding as seeing your child glow from the inside out. Here are twelve family activities that can help boost self esteem in children.
Category:
Scientists pursue aromatherapy for its role in everything from medicine to marketing, migraines to memory loss, and relaxation to revitalization. Here is what it can do for you.
Category:
Focusing on gratitude keeps us centered and helps ward off negativity. Here are five little things we can do each day to nourish our sense of gratitude:
Category:
Decking the halls and spreading good cheer can be stressful. Here are some tips to make sure you enjoy every last fa la la.
Category:
I confess that holiday shopping once felt like an enormous, energy draining chore, and it was one that I dreaded all year. Now I have found a way to really enjoy it. Here are some tips to help you take pleasure in it, too.
Category:
Is there a subject more charged than that of time, especially among parents? It is the source of many of our conversations ("How are you?" "Busy!") and much of our guilt. Here are some thoughts on taming our own perception of time.
Category:
Change your attitude by changing your living space. Here are eight quick tips you can use today.
Category:
Nurture your mind, body and soul with these simple warm weather treats.
Category:
Here are seven ways you can refocus on the needs of your family and create lasting memories for your kids, all while remaining attentive to your own needs as a parent. And each is designed to take 15 minutes or less.
Category:
Other links at Society > Inspiration
You can find deeper motivation by finding deeper meaning in your life.
Category:
Prosperity, and the attraction of it are not about luck... where you were born... where we live, or the shape of your nose.
Category:
Goal setting is an important key to success. It is actually your first step to success. It provides a systematic way on how you could achieve success. It is also like putting a compass into your sail, you will get to where you are because you already spec
Category:
Do you want an inexpensive life coach? Discover a simple formula for keeping your moods upbeat.
Category:
What is it that all life wants to do? They want to create more life, and maintain a better life for themselves. For example, if you were to take a seed and drop it on the ground it would naturally find a way to grow. That is why you see things such as pie
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68309
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
