I’ve been in a negative space lately. Lots of reasons why, most of which have to do with myself allowing the negativity to take over.
Negativity is contagious. It spreads quicker than a clever George Takei meme. Think about it – the old saying “misery loves company” is so true. Try it out – start complaining to someone about something, anything, and watch them eagerly engage in the bitch session. For some reason, it is easier for many of us to complain, criticize, condemn, and just plain negate. Once the negative vibes are there, it can be super hard to dissipate them.
To be clear, I am not referring to negativity’s lovely cousins sarcasm and cynicism. They are the more clever, thoughtful versions of not-so-positive thinking. I fully embrace and welcome these. To me, there is a huge difference between having a healthy level of satire and being full-on jaded. Welp, at this pace, I am fastly approaching the dark, jaded side and it’s not cute.
There are always both negative and positive voices around me. Usually, I can focus in on the positive and let the negative bounce off. But lately, the negative voices have been louder and more present in my mind. It’s been harder for me to block them out and to refocus on the positive and inspiring voices. I know full well that while I may not have control of the negative forces around me, I certainly have control over whether or not I choose to let them in. I choose how much space they occupy in my brain. Right now, I am allowing them to take over all areas of my brain with their seductive misery. Crap.
Okay, deep breath. It’s time to refocus, clean house. Time to quiet the negativity. Reconnect with my positive side. My inner cheerleader.
I need a repellent. A way to swat away the jaded stuff. To cover it in all things happy and fluffy. Some kind of spray that is equal parts rainbows, butterflies, and glitter. Glitter always works for Mia, so perhaps it will work for me. Even the most jaded forces can’t be taken seriously when covered in multi-colored, glittering butterflies. I mean, really.
Okay, being silly helps. I need to go from one extreme to the other in the hopes of finding a nice, happy medium. My usual balance of inspiration, creativity, motivation, and positive energy, with a dash of sarcasm and cynicism. I’m getting there. My funk is lifting. The glitter-filled repellent is working. Holla!
Filed under: Compassion Fatigue, Hope Notes, Just for Laughs, Self-Care, Strengths Perspective, Stress Reduction
I so much enjoy reading your posts, Elizabeth.. You make me laugh! My negative thoughts come from the Postnatal Depression Monster (or PND-M for short) who lives in the cupboard at the back of my mind. When he breaks free (hmmm, interesting I’ve just assigned him the male gender – ?), I visualise beating him back into submission with a broom (or similar) until I can get the lock on the door back on. Silly, I know, but like you said… Being silly helps! I love the idea of glitter though. There is something beautiful about floating glitter. Thanks so much again and look forward to reading more soon. x
Thank you so much! Humor is so vital in any and all situations
**SIGH** If only glitter made everything simple :0) Always and interesting perspective from you. True indeed, misery DOES LOVE company…The flip side no one talks about is how after misery done funked up the place and everyone in it, misery is the 1st to leave the party! Now, “Contemplate this on the tree of woe.” Luv u :0)
Uncle D
I know, D, I know. If only things were more simple and less complicated. Just remember hope. Hope will prevail, even if it sooooo does not seem like it now. xooxoxo