Being upset less of the time
Next time you’re upset, I want you to stop and look at the thoughts. Tell yourself this:
“I’m not upset for the reason I think I am.”
Fact of the matter is there’s always a deeper reason for our upset, and it’s almost always bullshit (at least kind of). You might think you’re upset about money, or someone being rude or whatever-the-fuck it might be, but in reality you’re upset because on some level you’re uncomfortable or afraid. Newsflash: it’s totally okay to be uncomfortable. Second newsflash: whatever you’re afraid of isn’t real, at least not the way you think it is.
Say you’re upset because the pandemic has totally fucked your finances, you’re afraid you might lose your home, not be able to feed your kids etc. Ask yourself this: is any of this actually happening? Right this very moment? Are my kids starving? Am I out on the streets? Our fear of a situation is often much worse than the situation itself. The truth is, you’re still breathing and the day is full of opportunity. We just need to let go of fear/upset long enough to see things as they really are.
Take time to notice how often you’re upset, wouldn’t it be nice to be upset less of the time? You can be. Nothing outside of you needs to change for that to be true. Life is less about what’s happening and more about how you relate to what’s happening. You have a choice.
For today, the practice is very simply, without judgement acknowledge: you’re not upset for the reason you think you’re upset. This takes the power away from the alleged source of your upset and gives it right back to you. Life is too fucking short my friends, let’s try and be upset less often. Let’s try and be joyful in the face of challenge and adversity, seeing the opportunities to rise above and be great.
Lots of love for the new year,
M