At this point, we are almost a week into a new year. And I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen any dramatic improvements.
The things that went wrong in 2020 are still going wrong today.
The “Virus that must not be named” is still virus-ing. Small businesses are still struggling. Politicians are still politick-ing.
I’m just guessing your personal struggles are still there.
For me, personally, a nerve disorder that developed in 2020 (Trigeminal Neuralgia) is still present and getting worse. When I found out at the end of 2020 that I would need 2 brain surgeries to fix it, you could have knocked me over with a feather.
And those brain surgeries are still pending. New year or not.
It would be so easy to sink further into a pit of despair.
But I’m not going to and I don’t think you should either. And here’s why:
Reason 1 to not sink into the pit of despair
There is still good out there, even if it’s hard to find. It could be small, like the smell of a crisp morning.
Or it could be big like a positive life change or new relationship (friendships included here).
But don’t get so bogged down thinking about the negative that we forget to think about the positive.
Find positive in the midst of negative
If you’re struggling with this, you’re not alone!
An easy way to keep positive is write down 3 positive things. If you can’t find 3, write 2. The point is, start small.
Maybe you can only do it once. Or maybe you can write one positive thing a day. For example: it was sunny, I enjoyed watching the birds, I had a good interaction with my boss.
Whatever it is, write it down. That way you have something to reference when you’re feeling particularly low.
TIP: Write your observation down and take notes in a journal. I love >>This One<< and use it for my daily journaling!
Reason 2 to not sink into the pit of despair
Depression, sadness, horror, fear. These feelings, or whatever negative feeling your experiencing very rarely last forever.
And if they do you’re likely dealing with a clinical diagnosis that needs professional help.
But let’s work on the assumption that you’re a normal human who is experiencing normal feelings.
THEY. WILL. NOT. LAST. FOREVER!
And when they are gone, you will have things to look forward to again.
And that’s the point of point 2. Looking forward to things.
Look forward to something after the bad is gone
There is always something to look forward to.
Spring flowers. The next football season. A better situation at your job – or even a new job.
And if you forget about those things, it’s easy to fall into the trap or only living in the negative.
So once again, start small.
Thing of 1 thing you are looking forward to. Or 1 thing a week.
Just keep in mind that life tends to go on and you won’t always be feeling the way you are feeling. Keep track of something that will help you look forward to feeling better!
Reason 3 to not sink into the pit of despair
For us competitive folks, it’s simply the desire to not lose.
You know what I mean. You refuse to let the bad overtake you.
Sure, there are moments when it is all you can think about. But then you get up and put your big-boy/girl pants and keep going.
No amount of negativity, evil, depression, sadness, etc is going to bring you down. It will try every day. But you are stronger and will not lose.
Overcome the obstacles you’re facing
Last year was bad. And maybe this year will be bad, too. But they won’t drag you down.
Let your competitive nature take over and come up with a plan.
- Make a daily habit of enjoying something. Doesn’t matter what it is. Enjoy ONE part of your day.
- Set a goal for yourself. And work to achieve it as often as possible. It will give you something to look forward to, as well as a sense of accomplishment.
- Get some sun/fresh air. Leaving aside the health benefits of these things, they just make you feel better.
These small things will make a huge difference in your life. And every day you find victory is a day that the burden didn’t win!
Bringing it all together
The new year may have started as a bust for you, but it doesn’t need to win. Don’t let it drag you into the pit of despair!
You can avoid the pits by: finding the positive in your life, looking forward to something in the future, and making a plan to overcome.
Avoid looking too far into the future or at outside sources for your happiness. It’s just as likely that 2022 (or whatever the next year is) will not bring you joy, either. Look inside yourself for finding joy.
Don’t forget it. Pin it!
