From Grump to Delight

I was tired and grumpy after a particularly long and super busy day at work.  I had worked 2.5 hours longer than I had been scheduled for, thus I didn’t get to things I had prepared to do. This can be an area of frustration for me. So I went to bed early, confident that I would feel better in the morning. I slept poorly, waking up for spans of time with my grumpy mind thinking and fretting about my upcoming trip and the planning and packing I needed to do. Even though I had most of the next day to further prepare, my mind was fixated on all of it as well as the frustration from the day prior. I was still grumpy when morning came. 

I felt the urge to just get started with the day so my mind could quiet down. But I knew better. I did my usual meditation, even if a little short because I slept in a bit due to not sleeping well, and then got onto the yoga mat. I selected a replay to watch that was about 20 min. in length and it was just what I needed. It got me into my heart, focused on my body and breath and I was able to get through the short class without pausing to go write something down I had remembered I needed to pack. 

But I was still fairly grumpy. Not like me at all, although it was improved. I didn’t get too worried about it however. If this day was to be a grumpy day, well, there must be a reason. I listened to some nice music and juiced my celery and then my friend texted about our walk we had tentatively planned the day prior. She said something funny in her text and I laughed out loud and instantly felt the grumpiness leave.

Wow.

Tools: I used what I knew was helpful.

Acceptance: I let it be.

Centering: I listened to my heart and not just my mind. 

Grounding: I did my normal morning routine without rushing.

Opening: I allowed humor to move me. 

I trusted my heart. I knew better than to force things or to let my mindmreplay things over and over again. I knew I had time, even if just a bit, to use the tools I had and to shift this mood. My mind was telling me I didn’t have time for that walk with a friend and it continued to spin around all the things I had to do, had done yesterday, would be doing today and tomorrow, and it really had a good stress story going!

I used past experience of success (meditation, yoga), opened my heart and trusted I would have everything I needed (somehow I always do, even if I did “forget” something). Life just has a way of working out when you relax and let it flow. I’m not suggesting we sit and do nothing, but to be mindful of the crazy fearful mind thinking too much and not trusting life itself. Use the heart! Taking time upfront, at the start of the day to do some self care and self awareness is important.

I got everything done I needed to (taking off 2 things that could wait), went for that walk with my friend, and had time to write this blog! I am so grateful for this day! And myself for making the choice to use the opportunity provided. Yay!