A better place..

I have taken some annual leave today to reflect, learn and snuggle under the lovely duvet with the cats!


I think I have massively lost perspective of late with a number of things that have been beyond my control (2017 - the death of a close friend and mentor, the death of my mother and Linda losing her mum too).  My previous meds failing me (8 years and a resistance build up =  awful results).

When things chip away at you piece by piece, you can react hideously to unimportant situations/triggers.  And I am guilty of that.

So, today I have learned:

1. Not to react instantly to a sleight or an off hand comment when it does not directly impact upon my life/well-being.  
2. Let things go - people say or make comments just out of an off hand manner.  Do not take it personally, it might not be about me. Also, the people challenging you might have your best interests and well-being in heart.  Misreading a situation is not good.  Social media is a gift and a curse.
3. Analyse, process and discard the negative thoughts. (And learn from them....keep that diary, mister!)
4. Be a better person - creating more pain does not solve things, it can make situations a whole lot worse.  Also, be the humble person - again, misreading a situation can be oh so not cool.  Yep, be super humble from now on - take it on the chin, learn, forget and move on.
5. Never make assumptions.  Don't be a snowflake.  Learn from your personal history.
6. Enjoy life for what it is - a fleeting few moments in a miasma of randomness.

I apologise for any pain caused to any of the people who's paths I have crossed.  My empathy levels have been low and I need to turn that around asap.

So, strategies -

1. Purchase a white board and record what annoys, saddens or disappoints me.  Then wait 24 hours to see if the emotions are still valid.
2. Count to 10 (or 100!) if needed.  Then only react if someone is in physical or mental danger.
3. Let things go - life is too short for grudges.
4. Be the better person (again, brilliant advice from my therapist).

I'm lucky and blessed, I have my health, a happy marriage, a home and 3 adorable cats.  I will concentrate on the positive and process the negative.