When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”
I have always loved the color blue. Peacock, marine, pale blue, teal, navy… Rainy days tend to take on those cozy blue-gray hues; clear blue skies can sometimes take our breath away with their bright, stark bigness; interior design uses pale blues to add calmness and or pops of turquoise and aqua to add tropical, coastal flair.
Having the blues, though? Singing the blues? This popular color can take on a new meaning in an instant.
Life is so unpredictable. One day we are up as high as the bright blue sky, and others we are just right down in the dumps. As if on a carousel ride, at the most joyous point of the ride, we can let go, wave our hands in the air and feel free! But we can alternate on a dime by choosing to hang on tight to that horse’s neck for fear of falling or losing control.
When you’re hanging on for dear life, trying desperately not to fall into a pit of blues, there are things you can do, my loves…
Step One: Admit you are feeling that way. Are you a little depressed, sad or melancholy? It’s OK. It’s entirely human. Own it and recognize it, so that you can take the second step.
Step Two: Figure out what, exactly, is making you feel the blues. Is it due to a recent setback? A relationship? Emotional struggles, in general? In some instances, the answer will come easily and be a no-brainer. In others, the answer will take more soul-searching. You need to know your beast in order to defeat it. Which brings me to…
Step Three: Know you can defeat it. Fill yourself with power and scream, “Action!!!” Refuse any outcome other than overpowering these blues in order to continue on your journey to greater happiness.
But how, Elsie?
First of all, you need to know that there is an inner strength you already possess. It’s already there. Many of us have celebrated generations of strong women before us who have surpassed their struggles and moved forward in celebration of life. We have it in our genes! And even if your ancestors were lucky enough to skate by without a scrape (highly doubtful, as we all struggle at some point/s), consider this time with the blues to be your chance to start a brand new tribe of strong, healthy, decision makers who refuse defeat. This is your chance. Your struggles and your setbacks are what make you stronger!
Go immediately into gratitude mode. Look around you. Look at your blessings. Look at you! Feel your beating heart and the sun on your face and be thankful. Realize there is so much to be grateful for, because today is a new day. You are breathing and have a vibrant core and you have been given a beautiful chance to rise to the occasion that is life. And when you learn to live that way, you open the doors to abundance.
Right now, whisper “Thank you” into the air. Go ahead, I’ll wait…
It is an eye-opener to ‘wake up’ and realize what you already have. When you can search within yourself for phenomenal qualities that you already own, you can shout to the world, “This is me! This is what I have and this is what I can give!” It’s an incredibly empowering thing.
When you begin your journey back to happiness with what you see around you, little by little you will find yourself so thankful… SO appreciative of millions of things you need to say “thank you” for.
CELEBRATE. Celebrate YOU! Go right into ambiance mode. Light your favorite candle; eat what you truly love; hug someone; spend time with animals; watch that special television show that makes you smile; visit that friend who’s got a knack for making people smile. Be that friend.
By recognizing your strengths, being truly grateful for your blessings, and celebrating the beautiful (free!) things in life, you are going to change the atmosphere around you. This newfound appreciation for life and for yourself and others will permeate your senses and take you to altitudes of gratefulness never felt before. It will liberate you from your troubles, I promise.
Happy days are coming your way. You deserve them, friend.