remedies for discouragement

 
 

Being true to yourself is not always easy. For fear of not being accepted, we tailor our personality, mince our words, and carve our opinions to fit in. It takes courage to be real ... and it takes stamina because if you want the best out of life, it will demand the best of you time and time again.

When you choose to be real, there will likely be tough choices and 11th-hour changes. There will be misunderstandings, uncomfortable silences, and sometimes, there will be isolation.

When do you feel like giving up? What discourages you, or tempts you to doubt that sweetness is on the way? Now, write down three remedies for discouragement...lunch with your best friend; a visit to church; dusting off your diplomas, re-reading a love letter, swimming twenty laps; warm soup eaten in silence.

My three most regularly practiced remedies for discouragement:

1. Call Candis. She will say something so country-wise and lovely that I'll either laugh or cry, and either is great.
2. Rose hip clay face masks, preferably Eminence. Sometimes exfoliating your face also takes the slough off yer spirit.
3. Review my body of work (go back to grade school stories if I have to,) and remember that I have an agent who's waiting for me to deliver.
4. Bonus remedy: I read some Abraham Hicks. It's the ultimate woo woo that is usually bang on my cosmic sensibilities. The basic message: you are exactly where you are supposed to be and all is well. Have fun.

Now practice just one of your remedies this week to keep your stamina strong. A little preventive soul love is mighty strong.

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join the convoposted 15 Apr 09 in: inspiration + spirituality articles   ·   tags:   ·   View Comments

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  • 1. beyoncé. she gets me dancing and reminds me that my booty is hot.
    2. beyoncé. she gets me singing and using my voice for good.
    3. abraham hicks, too. there are some especially quick and effective videos on youtube that are like caffeine for the soul.
    4. walk around barcelona. so beautiful. more like crack for the soul. i get all strung out and happy.
  • Lorena
    1. Change the music. That usually changes the "lyrics" I'm repeating to myself.
    2. Read something important: depending on what's going on, this could be Charles de Lint, Pema Chodron (yes! Especially "when things fall apart"--I read the first chapter alone over and over and over in one particular crisis and it got me through), Michael Beckwith.
    3. Go out. Park, preferably, or the local organic tea house/cafe. Someplace with good vibes but not necessarily someone to talk to.
  • 1. Read Pema Chodron "When Things Fall Apart" So comforting when what you need to hear is "Thoughts will run us around in circles if we buy into them, but really they are like dream images. They are like an illusion-not really all that solid."
    2. Call my twin sister. Such a lovely twin is she. No doubt the amount of love and care I need is what she delivers in just the right doses.
    3. Read lovely and tender email/letter from family.
    4. Remember the good things I've accomplished that have helped others

    Thank you Danielle, again for today's reality check :)
  • Pema makes everything better.
  • Wow - you are the positivity angel I needed today.
    I just suffered a very personal loss, and I'd let myself walk down the 'poor me' path, and had almost reached the pity party being thrown in my honour.
    But, this has allowed me to shift a bit. Yes, it's discouraging what has happened - but I have many more chances in the very near future.
    So - I made my list of anecdotes to discouragement - and did them all today.
    1) Drove with my sunroof open, blaring music {Doves}
    2) Walked along the water - solo & in silence
    3) Phoned my mum

    Thanks again Danielle. Your brand of real, well, really speaks to me.
  • As ever, your bright spirit shines through this post, Danielle. I was especially struck by "if you want the best out of life, it will demand the best of you time and time again."

    What an excellent reminder of my own responsibility in creating my day and my world. Pay attention. Be prepared to give my all. Oh, yes ... have fun!

    Antidotes to discouragement:

    1) Call my friends Ann or Jane or my sister Annie. They're always good for a reminder of who I really am when I feel overwhelmed. They helped me get through grad school for the second time at age 58 when I was questioning my sanity for attempting it.

    2) Go for a walk or get on the yoga mat. That always helps clear my head and ground me. Alternately, take a hot bubble bath and a nap in the middle of the day and imagine my life when the problem is solved.

    3) Probably the most important: do something for someone else. This always puts me back in touch with my essential goodness and strength.

    Have an amazing day!
  • I feel like you're posting directly to me. You are, aren't you? ; ) (just nod your head, and go with it...)

    1. a nice, HOT bath
    2. a hot cup of tea, and to be left completely alone.
    3. a brisk walk, alone

    Notice...all of my remedies require that I am alone. Ha! Can you tell I'm with my children a lot? At least, I've learned what I need to do to replenish my sources.

    BTW, I've never heard of Abraham Hicks, but I'm going to check him out today. Thanks Danielle!
  • yesss. you and only you. always and forever.
  • Great post! Love the line "if you want the best out of life, it will demand the best out of you from time to time."
    My 3 remedies for discouragement are:
    1. lay in my garden and hang with the fairies...they have a good attitude about everything! Unless they are up to no good...then they are just fun to watch;)
    2. Call a girlfriend
    3. I like reading Abraham-Hicks too...always great wisdom:)
    Have a groovy day!
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