Last
week I wrote about negative moments and how they can often overshadow
everything else in our day. This week, I came face to face with this truth.
(Which is a nice way to say that what I wrote hit me over the head. Hard.)
On Monday I received information about a situation that required all hands on deck. It was news that made me uneasy and kind of sad, but I was ready to jump in and help in any way I could.
And then I found out it was an April Fool's joke. One I didn't find funny. I suppose I should have been suspicious, but I hadn't even thought about the day or that it might be a prank. The situation was not only possible, it was very plausible, and I was beyond irritated.
Thirty minutes later I was still stewing about it. And then I remembered the words I shared last week.
On Monday I received information about a situation that required all hands on deck. It was news that made me uneasy and kind of sad, but I was ready to jump in and help in any way I could.
And then I found out it was an April Fool's joke. One I didn't find funny. I suppose I should have been suspicious, but I hadn't even thought about the day or that it might be a prank. The situation was not only possible, it was very plausible, and I was beyond irritated.
Thirty minutes later I was still stewing about it. And then I remembered the words I shared last week.
"But once a short-lived situation is over, the choice of whether or
not to dwell on it for the rest of the day is ours to make. And sometimes we
have to make that conscious decision to let. it. go." (Negative Moments)
Sigh.
Honestly,
I didn't really want to let it go, but it felt really wrong to refuse to take
the same suggestion I offered to others less than a week ago. So, I made the
conscious decision to let it go. I gave myself 30 minutes to stop dwelling on
it and to turn my mood around.
I was at work, but it was quiet, so I listened to a few minutes of music to distract me. Then I focused on the tasks at hand further pulling myself away from my thoughts.
I talked to co-workers, but I purposely didn't mention it because I knew talking about it would only stir my emotions, making it harder to stop thinking about it.
The next time I looked at the clock, it was after the 30-minute period. I realized I was no longer grumbling and I had gone on with my day. I hadn't forgotten about it, but it no longer had control over me.
I was at work, but it was quiet, so I listened to a few minutes of music to distract me. Then I focused on the tasks at hand further pulling myself away from my thoughts.
I talked to co-workers, but I purposely didn't mention it because I knew talking about it would only stir my emotions, making it harder to stop thinking about it.
The next time I looked at the clock, it was after the 30-minute period. I realized I was no longer grumbling and I had gone on with my day. I hadn't forgotten about it, but it no longer had control over me.
And…as
a bonus, I now had something to write about this week.
What do you think? Do you struggle to let go of something that’s turning your mood sour? {Tweet this}
What do you think? Do you struggle to let go of something that’s turning your mood sour? {Tweet this}
In Christ,
Laura
[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]
Linking up with: PurposefulFaith, #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory, Trekking Thru, GraceFull Tuesday,
#RechargeWednesday, InstaEncouragements, #WriterWednesday, Let’s Have Coffee,
#HeartEncouragement, #DestinationInspiration, #TuneInThursday, Moments of Hope,
Worth Beyond Rubies, #FreshMarketFriday, #FaithonFire, Faith ‘n Friends, Grace & Truth, Spiritual Sundays
Isn't it interesting how often God calls us to stand on what we believe, especially while it's fresh in our minds! Thanks for sharing, Laura. This is such an important mindset!
ReplyDeleteOh Laura! April Fools <—— my least favorite day of the year! To turn my day around I usually go to hymns. Music seems to do the trick for me. Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard when we have to take advice that we've recently given. ha. I feel your pain, Laura. I'm not a big fan of April Fools day myself. (Maybe because I get suckered in too many times? ha)
ReplyDeleteLaura, I had to smile when I read about you having trouble taking your own advice, only because that happens to me all the time! You did exactly the right thing by letting it go. That was a very unfunny April Fools joke if it caused you discomfort.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how often we are called to test drive the advice we dish out in our writing and teaching! This happens to me all the time, and even though I cringe about it, I"m grateful for the link it gives me to realism and the perspective of my readers and students!
ReplyDeleteThis so reminds me of my life. I tell my kids something and then am given an opportunity to practice it. To let go of things I have to redirect my thoughts. Or remind myself of the truth Like Worry serves no purpose. I kniw one lady who imagines shredding each thing in her mind. Another who sets a 5 minute timer to think about and worry about the thing, and then has to stop when the timer goes off.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is something that I have to work at often. It is for sure something that I have to remain intentional about. I have many times after I have taught a lesson or posted something become face to face with it myself. I sometimes even laugh and tell God that I know He is wanting me to see His humor. Thanks for sharing your personal story in this #DestinationInspiration linkup
ReplyDeleteI don't find April's fools jokes funny at all! They play on people's trust & vulnerability. But well done Laura that you put into practice what you had advised!
ReplyDeleteI go for a walk along the waterfront & process it through prayer when something has really upset or irritated me.
You're most welcome to join me in a cuppa,
Blessings,
Jennifer
I had to use the 30 minutes just yesterday - thanks for this practical reminder!!
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that! Good post, Laura.
ReplyDeleteLove how applying truth really works, though hard at first. Thanks for sharing this so honestly.
ReplyDeleteThe thing about writing online is that we're accountable. Scary, but also good. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I love how you share very practical ways to get out of that "negative funk". This is a real-life example of living out Philippians 4:8.
ReplyDelete