There are instructions and guides everywhere about staying inspired, living on purpose, leaning forward, networking correctly, navigating social media, and meeting Mr. or Mrs. Right. You’re supposed to be happy, moving toward destiny, dressed just right, and connected to the right folks.
But what if you do everything right, but the blues still sneak up on you? What if that ever so nagging feeling that makes you want to stay in bed, not get dressed, miss the event, hit ignore on the last call, and skip church on Sunday visits you despite your good intentions and actions? What if the “been there, done that” attitude sneaks in and there’s a vast, dark grey cloud hovering overhead?
Sometimes after significant setbacks, accomplishments, or life events, like a death of a friend or family member, the blues can show up, despite our best intention, which is where I recently found myself.
After a year networking in Hollywood, yet not selling the script as I envisioned, I’ve been hard on myself. After being so excited about having our first female president and voting for her, she lost, and I’ve felt sad and disappointed about this. After being married for decades, I’ve grown tired of negotiating and compromising and have wanted to do things my way. After raising three beautiful sons and watching them spread their wings as adults, I’ve felt unneeded.
And sure enough, while facing all the above, the blues visited me. But I’d beat them before, and I’m beating them again. So I share with you the six ways I’ve always overcome the blues and returned to my natural, sunny disposition.
Six ways to beat the blues and stay inspired:
1) Exercise, even if it’s just stretching on the floor or going for a walk. Do whatever you can do. I’m working out three times a week on a Peloton. I’m going to the gym once a week, and my friend, a personal trainer, is working with me twice a week to help me lose the extra pounds I’ve gained.
2) Reach out to friends or family by phone. Call them or visit them. When the blues show up, you need human contact and need to hear the voice of someone who cares about you. Don’t be shy about setting up a lunch date. I call folks just to talk.
3) Read uplifting literature, for example, books by TD Jakes are great. I also love to watch sermons and believe that preachers are the best orators. Read every article on Thrive Global for heaven sakes!
4) Show up at social gatherings even if you’re not your talkative, out-going self. I force myself to go out when I’m suffering from the blues.
5) Go to church and just sit there if need be and soak it all in. If going to church isn’t your thing, find a group that has positive energy and vibes. Perhaps, a meditation group or yoga class will provide the positive space that you need.
6) Finally, you must follow the advice that my old Southern Bigmama shared during my most severe bout of the blues. She said that no matter what we’re facing we must SHOUT:
Shine Your Light
Have Hope
Overcome Obstacles as they are Opportunities to Change, Try Again, and Strengthen Your Faith
Understand your Power Comes From Within
Testify and Share your Experience with Others
If you follow these steps, you’ll beat the blues and be back to your old self again in no time. If not, get professional help as soon as possible.
Stay Inspired! I believe in you.