Monday, November 02, 2009
Fickle Feelings
Feelings can be so fickle just like our crazy Southern California weather system. At least, lately, that is. Last Thursday, I dressed my daughter in a sweater and tights; then, on Saturday she wore sandals and a fairy outfit for Halloween. I think our thermostat has been a bit confused by this changing pattern as well. I put the heater on Wednesday and Thursday, but then used the air conditioner on Friday and Saturday. What is this?
Life can be like our unpredictable weather. So maybe it's a good thing, as it preps us to be more flexible. Just as we can not control the weather, we can not manipulate life's changes or its disappointments. The fact is that change and suffering are a part of life. Pay-cuts, lay-offs, and illnesses affect good people, like you and myself. Even our kids struggle. Whether it's with health problems or difficulties at school, we see them working through their own issues.
Even though we can't change the weather, we can dress appropriately and be prepared (thank the Lord for weather.com). We can bring an umbrella in case it rains. We can throw in some extra sunscreen in case it heats up to the mid-nineties by noon. Similarly, we can adjust to life's modifications as well. When my husband recently took a required pay-cut, we realized we simply had to spend less money. Less Starbucks trips. Less eating dinner out (I'm probably going to lose weight because I love fast-food). Less date-nights (that aren't free).
But, we can go with the flow. We can adjust. At least my husband still has his job. And for those who may be expecting a lay-off, you might be able to say, "At least I have my health." Or, you might thank God that you have your family who loves you. The hardships aren't small for many people during this tough economy, so I'm not minimizing what I'm observing around me. It's not easy to adjust to the ebb and flow of life and its inconvenient glitches, but it is necessary.
In response to oncoming hardships, some people do nothing, get pissed, or give up. But, those things don't really help the situation. Instead, minimize your pity-party feelings and trust that things will turn around. You have to keep your head up because someone has to, and that someone is you. You simply have to do your best and surrender the rest...even when you're not sure what you're doing.
My house has recently been attacked by well-organized black ants. You'd think they were texting each other the offensive plans. Instead of getting down, we've armed ourselves with lots and lots of ant spray. If you allow your feelings to sneak in and weigh you down with pessimism and morbidity, you're gonna lose it. Instead, get a hearty but brief cry-session out of your system and then move on. Remind yourself of your blessings and take a deep breath. Then, take steps toward your next endeavor. A good comedy helps too, along with cookies-and-cream ice cream. Keep it up moms and dads. You rock!
Life can be like our unpredictable weather. So maybe it's a good thing, as it preps us to be more flexible. Just as we can not control the weather, we can not manipulate life's changes or its disappointments. The fact is that change and suffering are a part of life. Pay-cuts, lay-offs, and illnesses affect good people, like you and myself. Even our kids struggle. Whether it's with health problems or difficulties at school, we see them working through their own issues.
Even though we can't change the weather, we can dress appropriately and be prepared (thank the Lord for weather.com). We can bring an umbrella in case it rains. We can throw in some extra sunscreen in case it heats up to the mid-nineties by noon. Similarly, we can adjust to life's modifications as well. When my husband recently took a required pay-cut, we realized we simply had to spend less money. Less Starbucks trips. Less eating dinner out (I'm probably going to lose weight because I love fast-food). Less date-nights (that aren't free).
But, we can go with the flow. We can adjust. At least my husband still has his job. And for those who may be expecting a lay-off, you might be able to say, "At least I have my health." Or, you might thank God that you have your family who loves you. The hardships aren't small for many people during this tough economy, so I'm not minimizing what I'm observing around me. It's not easy to adjust to the ebb and flow of life and its inconvenient glitches, but it is necessary.
In response to oncoming hardships, some people do nothing, get pissed, or give up. But, those things don't really help the situation. Instead, minimize your pity-party feelings and trust that things will turn around. You have to keep your head up because someone has to, and that someone is you. You simply have to do your best and surrender the rest...even when you're not sure what you're doing.
My house has recently been attacked by well-organized black ants. You'd think they were texting each other the offensive plans. Instead of getting down, we've armed ourselves with lots and lots of ant spray. If you allow your feelings to sneak in and weigh you down with pessimism and morbidity, you're gonna lose it. Instead, get a hearty but brief cry-session out of your system and then move on. Remind yourself of your blessings and take a deep breath. Then, take steps toward your next endeavor. A good comedy helps too, along with cookies-and-cream ice cream. Keep it up moms and dads. You rock!
Labels: change, ebb and flow, Feelings
