Some days I feel like Eeyore in this picture. It’s the black cloud. I just can’t kick it. I try to push it away, shut it out, ignore it, and make believe it’s not there, but no matter how hard I try, the black cloud lingers. It follows me around. My shoulders slump, my head down. I want to notice the good in life more than the bad. Sometimes, it’s just hard.
Sure, I’d rather be happy, smiling, welcoming. My “up” me is much more inviting, it draws people to me, but I can’t fake it if it’s not there. It has to come from my heart. I’ve learned over the years that faking it takes a toll on my mind, body and soul. I want to be real; I just don’t like the damn black cloud.
I am no stranger to the black cloud. It has come and gone throughout my life, as I know it has others, and its okay. We are all on this journey called LIFE with its ups and downs. The downs just hurt.
I’ve learned some strategies that I use when the black cloud comes around that have helped me. Maybe they can help you too, when you are feeling stuck beneath the cloud and want to leave it behind.
* Allow it to be there. Let it sit with you. It’s trying to tell you something. Don’t fear it because it’s there for a reason. What does it want you to know?
* Give it love. Give yourself love. Lean into self acceptance. Be as kind to yourself as you would the most important person in your life, if they were feeling blue. BE the most important person in your own life. What would feel good to your heart? A walk, some fresh air, holding your cat, dog or whatever feels good, laying on the floor doing nothing, watching an old movie, reading a good book, wrapping up in a comforting blanket with a cup of tea, talking to God. Whatever your heart leads you to do.
* Feel what needs to be felt. Don’t push those feelings away. Even just giving the feeling a voice and saying “I feel sad”, can help. Give yourself the time, place and permission to let go of the feelings that you are trying not to let out. If you need to cry, it’s okay. Get your box of Kleenex and a tear jerker movie if you have to, but let them out. They are cleansing. I notice after I let out my tears that I feel lighter and free.
* Reach out. Get in touch with a friend or loved one that will listen or just be there for you. Eeyore had Pooh just to sit with him. Send a text, an email, a phone call. Don’t isolate. And, if the black cloud just won’t leave, find help. Don’t go it alone. Get in touch with your doctor, a therapist or a coach.
On this day, I don’t see the black cloud. I look around, feel my shoulders and there is no heaviness. Real joy! My heart wants to smile. It’s a sunshine and blue sky kind of day. Life is full of ups and downs and I’m going to thoroughly enjoy this “UP” day. I’ve found as I take the time to talk to God, acknowledge all of my feelings, rest, laugh, and allow myself to be imperfectly me, I just don’t see that black cloud as much. It’s a process and it’s learning self acceptance and love.
If you have that black cloud hovering overhead like our friend, Eeyore, and you would like to reach out to someone, feel free to contact me. I have been there and understand.
