Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Passing On Positivity

For some inexplicable reason I spent this morning feeling anxious. Julia Cameron, whose creativity workshops like "The Artist's Way" aid my attitude in all sorts of situations, would tell me to do the next right thing. Today that meant cleaning bathrooms and mowing the back lawn.

The latter takes only about fifteen minutes, most of our backyard otherwise landscaped. And it would have been wise to head outside before the day heated up. Yet I found myself wasting time playing card games on my Kindle Fire. I needed to break that cycle.

So, what did I do? I turned on my laptop, telling myself I needed to verify which area of the house was scheduled for deep cleaning this week. Of course I'd been right about the bathrooms.

Did I start my chores? No.

I read blog posts. As it turned out, however, Vidya Sury's "Joy is in the Routine" got me motivated. As you can read for yourself, she overcame sickness and frustration with positive action. The lovingly home-cooked lunch she packed for her husband made me both happy, harmonious, and hungry. It was like the sun rose on my heart.

Maybe Not As Glorious As When I Stood Here... ~grin~


Without physical discomfort aside from anxiety symptoms, I got up and got busy. Now it's early afternoon, my home has two clean bathrooms, a mowed backyard, the front mowed, vegetable garden watered, and organic weed killer sprayed where necessary. It feels great.

Now I know that folks with legitimate reasons for depression and/or anxiety may well need more help. This fact only makes me feel more blessed. I'm looking forward to a pleasant afternoon and evening with my partner and cats. I hope anyone reading can say much the same.

Brain chemistry. It can be annoying. Is there anything that helps when your mind mysteriously drags you down?

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15 comments:

  1. Anxiety can be debilitating. Have you ever tried Bach Flower Remedies? There are a couple blends that help take the edge off when I'm feeling anxious for no good reason (even when there is a good reason).

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    1. I've not heard of this. Thank you! I will take a look. Be well, my dear.

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  2. I could relate. There are those moments. I am glad you found a way out. Hug.

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    1. Thank you so much! That means a lot. I hope you are well. ~hugs~

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  3. I've found that podcasts and audiobooks help me do mundane chores. If I'm listening to something interesting, I even jump into my chores deliberately so that I can see what happens next!

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    1. Excellent advice! I usually turn to music for a boost but there sure are options. Thank you for sharing your suggestion.

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  4. I have been having quite a bit of trouble focusing lately. Not quite anxiety -- I don't know what I should call it. Anyway, I can relate on the procrastination part! Glad you were able to work through it. And thanks for pointing me toward "Joy is in the Routine."

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    1. You are so welcome! I really enjoy Vidya's posts. Do be gentle with yourself, and I hope you can work through the lack of focus. If you can, taking a walk somewhere nice is another Julia Cameron tactic I recommend. I'm blessed to have a riverside path nearby for that purpose, but even a stroll around the neighborhood can be invigorating. Take care!

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  5. Usually sleep helps me, usually being tired can make me anxious, paranoid or depressed, but if I get enough sleep, enough water, I feel much better. Glad you got through your anxiety and accomplished all you wanted to do.

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    1. Thank you so much, my dear! And I'm glad you addressed sleep and water. Hydration and rest are extremely important. I pester loved ones about drinking water, in particular, to help prevent mentally debilitating UT infections. I'm grateful for the mention I neglected here. :)

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  7. Walking helps, especially with my dog.

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    1. I'm so glad, my dear! Thank you for sharing what works for you. I miss having a pet dog to walk. House and partner aren't really canine friendly, I'm sorry to say.

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  8. Between the body and the mind I am always down. I have fibromyalgia which comes with TERRIBLE fatigue, then you take the pain that wears on you, I sleep a lot. Then....all of a sudden I can turn the brain off and I am up 32 or more hours.

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    1. That's terrible, Pam. I can't imagine such suffering. I wish there was a remedy. Take care of yourself!

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