turn on the 8-track

This week has been a little bit stressful, to say the least. Not just for me, but for everyone, it seems. Whether the stress is over school, work, or just life in general, I know that the world has been weighing pretty heavily on many shoulders this week.

I've realized, with the help of my EXTREMELY patient family and friends, that is you adapt the way you look at your situation, you will get a much better experience out of seemingly tough times. I think this is something I've always been told, but I never really took it to heart until this week. I was too set in my ways to see how true that philosophy really is.

I don't like admitting that I'm wrong, and I don't know anybody else who does. And that is part of the reason why I didn't really think about that idea until now. But looking at it with a truly open mind has allowed me to see that some of the attitudes I have about various things in my life are a lot more negative than they need to be. I need to accept that not everything will be perfect all the time, and that that's just the way life is so I have to deal with it by making the most out of what I'm given.

The same applies to everyone, really. Instead of pitying yourself for days on end, brooding over your "hopeless" situation, find some way to alter your perspective. Not to say that's easy, but you should at least consider a more positive spin.

It's absolutely fine to have a day or two when you feel horrible and have a petite pity party. It's normal, and it's healthy. BUT it's also important to not to allow yourself to sink into that pity until you believe there is no light whatsoever.

Because being miserable gets you no where. If you have the ability to adapt your attitude, you will be much better off in your life. You will be able to take more hardship and rebound with more ease. Going through life hating everything is just plain unhealthy, and no one wants to remember only the bad things.

You have to find the good moments. Pick through the rubble and find something shiny or sparkly that can lighten the situation for you. Find coping mechanisms that work for you. Take a hot bubble bath. Blast your favorite music. Call a friend. Get dressed up. Dance. There has got to be something out there to help you through. You just might have to search for it for a while.