Say it Again

Sometimes I feel sad or desperate or afraid. When it happens, it’s familiar. I know I have felt sad before. And I know I don’t feel sad always, yet I imagine feeling it forever. Apparently, I live here now. That’s what I think.

From what I understand, our natural brain connections are the worst. Information comes in and takes the paths of least resistance, which lead to, “I’m afraid of this,” or, “I can’t win,” or, “No one likes me.” In a sea of unequivocally positive comments, we’ll cling to the negative. When information is neutral, it finds our fear and trouble sensors first.

We have to teach our brains to try new paths. We have to make connections that send information to, “This is okay,” and, “I can handle this.” Repetition is how we do it.

Say it again. That’s the answer.

Remind yourself you don’t have to feel desperate about an uncertain thing because you can shift your focus to something you know for sure. It’s helpful to have a list of these.

Tell yourself who you are when what you need to do has you a little afraid.

Name the people who love you miraculously and without fail.

Re-read a book or poem that lifts you up.

Breathe out.

It would be nice if we could lift our spirits one time in life and never have to do it again, but I haven’t found the way.

So I say the helpful things again. More than once in any given day if I have to.

There’s no shame in the darker feelings, but it’s such a relief when you remember how to transcend them.