Deal with it!

Friday's Five Favorites!

I had planned a different post for today, well yesterday but sometimes, ok often, life does not go as I plan.  It seems like the end of the world has come to my house the past few days.  We've had a number of wars and too many natural disasters, my carpets are the proof.  To say it's been frustrating would be an understatement!  Because of this I changed my mind on what this post would be about.  So here are my five favorite ways of dealing with the hard days.

1. Escape! After a long frustrating day I often look for a way to forget about it.  My first choice would probably be to escape to the gym or go for a run but because of the hubby's schedule that's often not an option.  Then I turn to a good book, a movie, or get caught up on my favorite blogs.  The main thing is I need to stop obsessing over how irritated I am with life.

2. Pictures!  I'm very much a visual person and just looking at pictures of when my kids are actually happy or even better sleeping, make me feel better about life.  Often after a rough day with the kiddos I look through my blog and try to focus on the good.  I also try to keep pics of them sleeping where I can see them, like on the fridge.

It's hard to stay mad too long when that face is looking at you from your fridge.


3. Compare!  I know this sounds wrong but really this often helps me.  I don't mean go comparing your weaknesses to other strengths, in fact when I'm feeling a little depressed I try to avoid pinterest.  Anyway, I try to look at a family that might be going through something hard.  I have a friend who's 5 year has a lot of physical problems and recently just had a major surgery.  When I'm annoyed with my almost 5 year old I think of that dear friend and instantly become thankful that he's healthy.  I guess what I'm saying is it's not hard to have a positive outlook when you look at the good instead of focusing on the bad.  I know easier said than done!

4. Music!  There are numerous studies out there about the positive affect that music has on people.  I don't need any expert to tell me that it makes me feel better.  I love cranking up the music and getting something done.  When I'm in the car by myself I sing at the top of my lungs to make myself feel better. I usually turn to fast paced, upbeat music that gets me going but sometimes I need turn to religious music that reminds me how good God really is.

5.  If all else fails, I turn to S.O.S. therapy. For me this means SCREAM OR SLEEP.  Honestly there are days that leaving me wanting to scream (hopefully not at or around my kids.)  But when I do scream a little I feel better, let it out!  And for me, sleep can solve any problem.  It is the best escape there is and when I wake up, I usually have a more positive outlook.  In general life goes better when I'm well rested.

So, there you have it a day late and a dollar short.  That's how it seems to go around here most of the time.  Hopefully this helps someone out there, even if it's just to know you're not alone.