Thoughts and Feelings

Did you know that you don’t have to be sad or feel alone?  You get to choose how you feel.  If you don’t like the way you are feeling, change it – it’s that simple.  Don’t get me wrong – it takes practice to be able to change your feelings.  But you can do it.  You’ve got this!  How?

Do you remember last year when you wished you didn’t have to go to whatever obligation was forced on you? 

TA-DA – you GET to stay home this year.  Notice that I didn’t say that you were stuck at home or that you can’t do something.  I focused on the fact that you GET to do something you wanted to do before.  The result is still the same.  You aren’t going to that party either way.  Instead of telling yourself that you can’t do something this year, change the wording in your head.  Remember, you listen to everything you tell yourself.  Make your thoughts positive and the way you look at the situation will change.

Now let’s think of the family parties that you are upset about not attending.  Instead of feeling miserable because you miss your family, why not figure out a way to see them? Maybe have a group Zoom call or just talk to them on the phone.  Send videos, send pictures, or write them a letter.  Let them know how much you miss them and make plans to get together once you can do so safely.  Until then, instead of focusing on what you can’t do, find a way to adapt and make it work. 

Once you change the way you look at it, your focus changes to the happy parts of the situation.  This creates a  happy feeling that you can spread to others. 

Then, TA-DA – you are spending time with your family AND spreading happiness.