There are times I get incredibly frustrated and have a difficult time trying to figure out what to write because my negative thoughts get in the way of allowing love and understanding to flow through me. I drown myself thinking of my own needs and not understanding the actions of others. Sometimes, I just want to be really, really selfish and only think of myself. That just tends to make me more frustrated because I am choosing to be mad and project my emotions on other people.
This is not how I want to go to bed or spend my day. So, what should I do? I need to turn towards someone rather than turn away and feel frustrated and alone. I learned this from John Gottman’s book “The 7 principles for Making Marriage Work”. When you are upset, you need to turn toward people, of course, he was referring to your spouse. This can be applied to anyone though because when we turn away from people, we are isolating ourselves and saying the situation is hopeless. The situation is never hopeless.
So when you are frustrated, turn toward someone. Let them help you talk it through and find a solution. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Build bridges between yourself and others that you can cross when needed and they can do the same.
So the next time you get frustrated, listen for the answer to this question: What if you tried another way? Turn towards others, rather than away.
Voyage to HEAL Weekly thoughts
Stretch: Trunk rotations so we can turn all directions. Seated in a chair, rotate the easiest way first and hold for 20 breaths. Then repeat on the other side rotating a little bit more with each exhale.
Exercise: Lay on your back. Activate your core. Lift your arms up to shoulder height. Reach one arm up toward the ceiling and then the other. This activates the serratus anterior muscles that help move the shoulder blades. Do this 8x on each side.
Habitual Change: Bring your gaze down a bit. I have come to notice that a lot of people hold their head tilted slightly up. Look in a mirror and see if your chin is up. If so, bring your chin down just a bit.
Perspective Enlightenment: I am well supported. I can turn toward people until I find someone to support me.
This post is dedicated to a couple of amazing friends who have recently bent over backward, adjusted their schedule, which meant dropping everything, and helping me out. From bringing my dog’s meds, to hanging out at my house waiting for my appliances to arrive, to hanging with me so I wasn’t alone with strangers coming to my house, and accommodating our get-togethers because of my dogs and schedule, thank you. Words cannot express my gratitude for your support these last couple of weeks. You showed me unconditional love. Thank you.
Godspeed along your Voyage to HEAL
Love,
Jocelyn