What do you do when you’re not feeling inspired? Maybe you don’t think about it. Maybe everything inspires you. Maybe you don’t really give a darn.
But I do.
I’ve been trying to draw inspiration for my next post from something, anything, the past couple of weeks, but it’s been terribly difficult. I think I wrote and rewrote this opening seven times in one sitting.
But something did happen to me last week that was somewhat groundbreaking. Let me give you a bit of background. I talk. A lot. I love talking. And when something is bothering me I talk about it. My dad knows this well. Last Sunday I had a lot on my mind and a few things were eating at me inside. So, I called my dad. He talked me through what was upsetting me, and he helped. For a little while. As the day went on, I began to feel more anxious about what was on my mind, and I couldn’t shake it. So, I called him again. This time, his approach was a bit different.
He said to me: “Maria, stop. You’re problems aren’t as big of a deal as your making them.”
Um, excuse me, what?
Out of shock, I took a step back and thought, “Holy crap. He’s right.” No one had ever said anything like that to me before. Nor, did I ever expect that from my father.
But he’s right. I had let myself become consumed with negative thoughts and worry, so anything that came up that day I overthought and blew out of proportion, which led to strong anxiety.
Running Always Helps
I went on a run that day, and while on that run I ran past countless homeless people, and someone who was completely disabled and in a wheelchair. And here I am running 8 miles in the beautiful sunshine, while listening to my favorite music, and coming home to a comfortable house. How blessed am I?
What my father told me shocked me into reality. Maybe he’s going through a stressful time, and his issues are far more taxing than whatever menial issues I was facing that day. So, listening to me overanalyze everything that day drove him to the brink. But I’m sure happy it did, because I’ve replayed that line in my head all week when I begin to overanalyze.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in our thoughts and especially our worries, but this week I challenge you to take a step back. What is really bothering you? Why is it bothering you? Is it something that can be fixed now? Or would it be best to let it be?
Easier said than done, I know. And, if you are experiencing true anxiety, I suggest you see someone who is trained and will be able to help you through this time. Anxiety is a real and ever present issue in today’s society, but for me, I’ve realized that I face anxiety when I overanalyze and let negative thoughts consume me. So, in order to overcome that, I need to let things be.
I have a friend at work who always says, “It’s just a bad day. Not a bad life.” So, if you’re having a bad day full of worry, remember tomorrow is a fresh start (and lucky for us, it’s a Monday – a new week!).
And, thanks Dad for putting me in my place and giving me the inspiration I needed to write this.
