Moods

Is it the weather?  We've had cold mornings recently, the kind where you just want to stay in bed - even though you cannot.

Is it the sameness of life?  I have one article of the five due for the local newspaper yet to finish.  I have three more for AXS.com . I was in this same, similar situation a couple weeks ago.

Is it mother?  She's lovely at 95, but a reminder each day of my own aging and that her  life is just getting through each day with each task taking longer each year.

Is it the feeling that there's nothing exciting to look forward to today?  I've lost the excitement of travel as my income is not sufficient.  I've pretty much "seen the world" so it's no great loss - but the anticipation may be.

Is it the downright nasty email (who in their right mind sends nasty emails these days that may be forwarded forever?) answering some questions with venomous responses totally out of character with the questions - and it's the local organization for authors and journalists.  I am still stinging from the tone.  I know, let it go.  Don't let someone else's issues ruin my day.

Is it the complications of friendships and obligations that sometimes make alone time so much easier - but not healthier?

Is it the disappointments in goals I've set and not accomplished even though they are not major?

The list continues, but in the last couple days, even with a new book that should be accompanied by eager promotion, I need to force each contact and activity.

Perhaps it's something I ate or didn't, perhaps it's working steadily at my desk and my brain is addled, perhaps it's missing my morning walk along the Gulf where only joy resides -

Do you have these days that seem to come from nowhere?  Do you just flow with them until they pass or do something to change them?

Personally? I think it works out bet for me if I a) admit to them, b) feel them. We think of negative emotions as being bad for us, but they are our real feelings, and having them isn't really bad, so c) find a way to express them safely, even if it is only to a journal entry, d) accept them as real, and then work at letting them go.

Trying to ignore them or not accepting them as real feelings that are perfectly OK to feel, for me, just makes them worse. It's easier, then, to find something positive to focus on.

Just Annie

Thanks Ann.  It's always validating to hear another person's response to moods.  I know that melancholia is often associated with authors who do turn to writing as a release.  I fight it and usually win; just some days it seems to be a little stickier.

I hear you, DK.

I am thinking and don't know what to say.  I am sorry for the low moods you are both feeling. Life has its ups and downs, but this seems a bit more than that.  It might be  a good idea to run your feelings past a doctor.

How lovely!!!  I have a little parrot that is also precious.  I believe we all have moods.  I like Ann's suggestion to just flow with them and let them pass naturally.  I think when moods overwhelm and control our lives then they may be destructive and require investigation or therapy.

Mostly, my walk in the morning is my therapy and the company of good friends.  I have been skipping my walks, and I think it has had an accumulative effect.

I walked along the Gulf this afternoon and there, not ten feet from the shore, a lovely dolphin was playing in the shallow water, a friend not far away.  I walked with a friend who was not quite as fascinated as me (after all, we see dolphins playing in the surf often) or I would have just plunked down and watched their joyful play until they moved on.

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                        DK

                             I just go with the flow, then when it passes I get busy ! Many times if
 I feel down I get in the car and drive ten minutes away to our local nursery and see whats
 new, check every plant out, it's a form of therapy, and then I cheer up knowing Spring is
 not far down the road...Or I get into my photo files and see what I can create new for
 my art site..

                                                                        Cheers..Joe..

Good responses DK.  Can't add anything except to say that you are not alone.  Each person eventually finds a way to overcome these moods.  I seem to use your method of taking a walk.  Your walk is by the sea whereas mine is in the forest.  Diversion can be helpful and nature is theraputic.  When I realize that I am just a fleck in the universe my problems see so insignificant.  As my brother said to me: "When I think I have it bad, I realize that there are those who have it worse."

The strange thing about moods is that they come irrationally, not always based on a problem or a concern, just a little cloud dropping in.

dkchristi wrote:

The strange thing about moods is that they come irrationally, not always based on a problem or a concern, just a little cloud droppimg in.

Could be a cyclical occurrence.  Keep track of it and see.

Good idea.  Thanks.