Dumpster Diving. Shame. Social Sunshine.🌞

I almost fell into the garbage container.🤪 I swung my big bag of basura, slipped on the sidewalk, and almost dove in. Funny. 'Coz I've been feeling like garbage lately.😬Ring the shame bell.I couldn't quite put my finger on what was dragging me down over the New Year celebration. I choked it up to being professionally lost.Then during my short psychology course on self-awareness and self-esteem, The word stared at me from the whiteboard: vergüenza. SHAME.I was ashamed of not finding a job yet.Woosah. I’m also ashamed of not getting enough exercise but that’s an ant bite compared to the shark attack of my unemployment!📹☝🏻️I already shared this video on Instagram but it’s worth repeating here. We watched it in class and was the reason for 2 out of 4 times I held back tears. I’m such a sap!😆There are things we do in life and for ourselves that we will never get paid for. That does not mean they do not have value. They are not distractions. They help you build you.Get out of your head.“¿Conoces el circulo de preocupaciones?” (Do you know the circle of concern?)My profesora, a lovely psychologist named Berta, showed us the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Influence. When stressed out or overwhelmed, focus on what’s within your control.Also, DO something. DON’T get stuck in your head. To create change, out in the world or even within ourselves, actions matter. Not to mention, they are easier to control.So, do something. Go for a walk, cook, bake, play a sport or a board game, go to an event, meet someone, watch a movie. Escape getting tangled in your thoughts. (I say this out loud because I need to hear it often. Analysis-Paralysis is a close friend of mine!)Connect forealzThe silver lining in my challenging moments has been the genuine connections with incredible people. Just thinking about the heart-warming moments warms my heart. Anudaw?!🤣Afaf gave me a small pasalubong from Egypt that I now wear almost daily. Martha (con H!) gave me an olive branch to show how she values our friendship and even lent me her crystals to manifest my vision to reality. Maddi keeps me motivated and productive as we tick off our to-do lists together in random cafes and co-working spots...Real connections and deep conversations can be lifelines during tough timesHelp. Share. Smile.Even if it’s just brightening up a stranger’s day!The day I almost fell into the garbage, I gleefully held the door open for a neighbor, small-talked with the lady at the panaderia, and tried to cheer people up with a big smile, compliments, and my kengkoy-ness. Guess who felt better after? Me.😅 (Heyyy I hope they did, too!😜)Did you know that giving compliments uplifts both the giver and the receiver? Take that to heart and sprinkle compliments like confetti!There is no shame in taking the time to figure things out, work on yourself, and grow.When I really think about it, I’ve made great use of my Q4. I’ve never written so much in my life! For me. KABOOM.💥There are things we do in life and for ourselves that we will never get paid for. That does not mean they do not have value. They are not distractions. They help you build you.I end this article with my head held high. And a big smile. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janinayramirez.substack.com