Today, I want to get real with you about something we all experience from time to time – those days when you’re just not feeling it. Whether you call it the blues, a funk, a rut, or simply feeling blah, it happens to the best of us. And guess what? That includes me, your Latina Diva on Wheels. But don’t worry, I’ve got some tips that I’ve used for decades. You will go from having a languishing life to an audacious life in no time!
Embrace Your Feelings
First things first, let’s talk about the importance of acknowledging your emotions. It’s okay to feel down sometimes. In fact, it’s completely normal. Anyone who says differently is either lying to you or the person is a unicorn in disguise. So, give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. Bottling up your emotions will only make things worse in the long run. So, take a deep breath, acknowledge how you’re feeling, and remember that it’s just a bump in the road, not the end of the journey. My audacious newsletter subscribers have been following me along on my sometimes bumpy journey. You can too if you subscribe by clicking here.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
When you’re in a funk, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts. Dwelling on the negatives will only drag you down further. Instead, surround yourself with positivity. Reach out to friends or loved ones who lift your spirits. Spend time with people who make you laugh, who remind you of your worth, and who support you no matter what.
My sister, Ingrid and I say that when something makes our blood boil or when something makes us want to throw in the towel, we have two choices. We can cry about it or we can laugh about it. Depending on the level of “blah” or “ugh!” we decide. Most of the time, we find a way to laugh about it. Crying makes our eyes puffy and our mascara run down our cheeks. That’s a no no for me.
My social circle is small and eclectic. I’m not suggesting you dump your friends. However, I’m suggesting you surround yourself with people whose uniqueness will help you see your situation from a different point of view. For example, my friends, Karen, Melissa, and Lee, each have various interests that without them actually knowing it, keep me thinking about how life isn’t just one way. It forces me to think that my journey is just one journey in millions.
Lee travels around the world and shares the lifestyles of people she meets on her trips. Karen volunteers at the Homestead Soup Kitchen where she says no one is turned away. This is my wake up call to realize that we all are going through something, but we are going THROUGH IT. It’s not a permanent state.
Move Your Body, Move Your Mind
As a wheelchair user, I know firsthand the power of movement – both physical and mental. When you’re feeling blah, the last thing you might feel like doing is exercising. But trust me, even a little movement can work wonders for your mood. Whether it’s a gentle stretch, a short roll around the block, or some chair yoga, getting your body moving can help release those feel-good endorphins and lift your spirits. Plus, it’s a great way to remind yourself of your strength and resilience. So, put on your favorite workout playlist and get moving!
What if you can’t move? I understand. Sometimes when I can’t move because of a broken bone or two, I play music that makes me dance. I close my eyes and I am dancing. Visualization is powerful! Never underestimate its power. Before any major moments in my life, I visualized it. Great way to stop languishing and start living audaciously.
And remember to treat yourself kindly too. Indulge in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s watching your favorite movie, listening to uplifting music, or simply basking in the beauty of nature. I listen to my inner voice. Sometimes, I draw. I don’t draw well. But I do it anyway. Sometimes I sing. I don’t sing well. But I do it anyway. You see how it goes? I do healthy positive activities that brought me joy in the past, trusting that they will again.
I search for something new to do or learn. I don’t know the science behind it, but I’m sure there is some out there that will support my idea. When I’m learning something new, I see life differently. For example, I’ve been learning French since I was in 5th grade. Sometimes I dream of going to Paris, ordering un croissant avec du fromage et un cafe au lait from a waiter named Jean Pierre. It brings a little smile in my life.
Practice Gratitude
It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong when you’re feeling down. But shifting your perspective to focus on what’s going right can make a world of difference. One way to do this is by practicing gratitude. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s the support of friends and family, the beauty of a sunset, or simply the fact that you’re alive and breathing. Keeping a gratitude journal can be a helpful way to cultivate a positive mindset and remind yourself of the abundance that surrounds you, even on the darkest days.
My other sister, Tanya , our friend, Juliana , and I are in a chat group. Every day, gratitude is the first text of the day. I make full sentences like “I’m so happy that I decluttered my closet.” Or you can list your gratitude. For example, “1. Slept 7 hours 2. Found a great farmer’s market!” The idea isn’t how you express it as long as you express it. Something happens to our mind and body. No lie. It’s like happy fairy dust sprinkled into my heart.
Do it. Let me know how it goes.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can’t shake off the blues on our own. And that’s okay. Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you find that your feelings of sadness or blahness persist for an extended period of time, or if they’re interfering with your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor who can provide you with the support and guidance you need. You don’t have to go through it alone, and there’s no shame in asking for help when you need it.
In Conclusion
So there you have it, my audacious friends – my top tips for shaking off the blues and getting back to living your best life. Remember, it’s okay to feel down sometimes, but it’s important not to let those feelings consume you. Embrace your emotions, surround yourself with positivity, move your body, practice gratitude, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. And above all, remember that you are strong, you are resilient, and you are worthy of happiness. So roll on, my friends, and never forget that brighter days are just around the corner.
With that said, I’d love to know what you do to shake it off? (Okay who heard Taylor Swift just now?) Let me know in the comments.
Please feel free to share the article with everyone. You never know.
Audacitymagazine.com has been around for more than two decades. With your support, we can continue. Consider leaving a little something in our donate link. Thank you.
If you’d like to join me on social media, I’ve included the links.