ZOOEY'S MISCELLANY

kemeleng:

by Sarah May Bates

…There can be lots of reasons for why we take ourselves out of the moment, but in general I’d guess that it’s a feeling of discomfort with something deep down and ancient, a discomfort with low-self esteem, feelings of depression or anxiety that we’re trying to put logical labels on, or perhaps a fear of a discomfort we knew long ago. One of the best tools I’ve learned is to remind myself that all those feelings and instincts are A. 99% made up in my own head, and B. completely useless and irrelevant to what will happen and is happening. All that it does is remove you from the present and steal away the joy from any experience you might be having.

…Remember: most things to come and everything past is out of your control. All you can ever do is your best and then after that you’ve got to let go of the outcome and remember that about yourself. Forgive yourself for things that aren’t perfect. Time spent regretting and worrying and fearing is time stolen from your life. What’s the good of a cookie if you hate eating it?

So with the upcoming days off of work, remember to let yourself savor the happy, relaxing and novel moments. With your friends, your family, your dog. The cold air on your face after you’ve eaten a delicious meal. The mornings you sleep in and wake up when it’s basically afternoon. It’s okay and you are okay and maybe better than okay. The world is not ending and there’s nowhere your mind should be but in your stretching body. No need to force anxiety or “shoulds” over what has been or will be. You’re living something now and you should never cheat yourself out of the enjoyment. Remember, you like yourself. Don’t forget to go easy on you once in a while.