I don’t know about you, but there are days when I feel like my life isn't falling apart but completely combusting. These days are far from pleasant and dragging myself out of the funk can feel impossible.
It might be important to note that this particular day was while Mercury was in retrograde, but it can happen with or without the planets aligning a certain way.
The last time I found myself spinning I wanted to scream obscenities at the top of my lungs because I felt like a failure at work. I let it overshadow every good thing I had done up to that point. I had to go into a room, put my head down in my hands, and breathe to keep my mind from imploding at work.
After that, the universe continued to challenge me. I couldn't climb up the mountain in my inbox. My shoes gave me blisters. I forgot my lunch at home. The guy I had been seeing wanted “to talk” (hint: it didn’t end well). The subway had no A/C and it was 91 degrees outside. I got a blunt rejection email for a pitch. My friends could not sympathize with my anxiety. I was sinking.
Throughout the day, I’d try to cling to something positive to stop myself from drowning. Every time I found something to celebrate, another hurdle popped up and smacked me in the face. Things that might’ve been inconsequential on a normal day suddenly felt impossible to overcome.
Afterward, I sat with a glass of white wine and reflected on my day and wished I did it differently. I wished I didn't react instantly or tear myself down.
The universe might’ve presented me with challenges, but I ended up allowing myself to fall deeper. I decided that next time I’d reach for the clouds and jump even if it seems impossible - or simply because it seems impossible. I realized that sometimes just trying is enough.
So here’s what I wish I did differently while Mercury was in retrograde.
Accept that it sucks.
At some point, I had to reach the conclusion that it was just going to be one of those days. If I do that, then I can let go of my incessant need for control and let my expectations fade out of compassion. Through acceptance, I can find the hilarity in it, hit pause on self-blame, and let the day be as it may. After all, you can’t fight the universe.
Lose Yourself in a Book.
Reading is a wonderful way to destress and refocus your thoughts. Instead of recounting each difficult event from your day, dive into a good book and give yourself a mental break. Author Milana Perepyolkina wrote a book titled Gypsy Energy Secrets: Turning a Bad Day into a Good Day No Matter What Life Throws at You. The helpful book explores how to intuitively navigate difficult moments. It’s one read that will always be relevant.
Take a walk outside.
I’ve come to learn that walking around outside for at least thirty minutes every day is a regenerating experience for me. Sometimes I need to force myself because I think I’m too “busy” for a stroll in the middle of the day. What I’ve also learned, is that taking care of myself should trump everything else on my to-do list. When I can offer myself even more time, I’ll try meditating or reading a book outside.
Talk to your best friend.
Sometimes my friends can’t stop me from spinning or make my heart hurt any less. However, they sure as hell always try. It’s always better to take a breath from rushed texts or the absence of any communication at all to vent to a friend. Sometimes they’ll tell me things I don’t want to hear or I’ll feel like they just don’t get it, but then sometimes I end up smiling and laughing it all off. The best outcome is simply remembering that I’m not alone.
If I can’t get my day to go right, I may as well help make someone else’s. Whether that’s giving back, complimenting someone, offering a helping hand, or even just offering a smile to someone who looks like they need it. Just because I’m suffering doesn’t mean I can’t make someone else’s day a bit brighter.
Have that damn piece of chocolate.
I deserve the whole bar of milk chocolate, and I deserve to not get mad at myself for enjoying it. I will not shame myself for a much-needed treat and will savor in its sweetness... Maybe I’ll even have two!
Sweat out the frustration.
Just an hour of yoga or 45 minutes of a cycling class makes a huge difference to my psyche. I come out feeling refreshed, confident, and ready to attack the world again. I especially love group classes because it reminds me that we’re all dealing with our own stuff, have our own reasons to be there, and leave collectively feeling better while adding more positivity into the world.
Start again.
The day will end, the sun will rise, and one day everything will work out as it’s supposed to. Believing in this will make it easier to chase my dreams and kick some ass… one day at a time.