Recently I heard on a podcast someone say,
"Despise not the day of small beginnings."
I don't know why but that sentence resinated with me. I think we all can get caught up in the negativity of today and this can result in emotional deregulation (anger, depression, anxiety) and it can lead to unhealthy coping such as isolation and addictive behaviors. Often we can snap at each other when we are pushed to the breaking point, and often we quit listening because of the negative tapes of the past that pour in unconsciously when we are fatigued. When we get worn down our emotions get worn down as well. We need a break and we often do whatever it takes to get it.
I recently heard someone who is experiencing fatigue say he was contemplating quitting his job to find another in hopes of finding something new to focus on. When we can't control the world around us, we sometimes will make impulsive changes in order to feel a little bit in control. We can jump out of a relationship, out of a job, out of our routine, and away from the things that bring our life meaning...all because we are trying to find balance in an unbalanced situation. I caution against this impulsive attempt to find balance as when the situation is over regret often seeps in. People may regret when they look back at the job they left for a lateral or even less paying job. They may regret leaving a relationship that was good for another that leaves them wanting even more.
What I advise my clients to do is to find a place where they can escape the noise of the day and find peace and balance within. I love this photo of a quiet beach scene with umbrella and chair. The thought of sitting there with toes in the warm sand, sounds of the waves crashing on shore, and the wind in one's face brings peace and contentment to an anxious heart. Maybe the beach isn't your happy place...mine is the mountains. Sitting in a grove of redwoods with the smell of evergreens and the quiet of the forest is my happy place. Some people find their happy place is nestled in the neck of their children where they breathe in the aroma of youth and relic in the sounds of laughter. Some find joy in physical activities like flying a plane, riding a horse, or running a race. Where ever your happy place is go there often. Enjoy the simple pleasures of life that are all around us. Find peace and there you will find balance.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)