The Next Day

Many of you reached out after yesterday’s post. Thank you! I love y’all for your big hearts and caring.Thought I would give you an update on how the rest of the day went and what I exactly did to navigate that craziness.First, it was just what I said in the video. I had my own back. All through the snotty mess, I did not talk s**t to myself. Not once. I had 100% confidence that I would find my way to the other side of this dense mood. I trusted the process.I could have decided I’ve been working too hard. Chasing big dreams is for other people, the luckier ones. Maybe I’m too old. I could have blamed my partner, politicians, the weather or the fact I don’t have a fancy kitchen. But I stayed the course. I’ve promised myself that I would commit to a goal and I’m not letting myself down. I put as much emphasis on this promise to me as I would a promise to my child.And then I drilled down on self care.* Journalled about how the feelings settled in my body. What were the specific sensations? Where did I feel the dense mood?* Took a break from my normal workouts and invested in a cooling yin yoga practice. Without panic that I didn’t burn calories or build muscle.* Owned the fact that I was a little forgetful and less productive for that day. Most people are very forgiving when you explain it’s got nothing to do with them.* Stayed away from alcohol, comfort eating and went to bed early. Drank lots of water to flush out the endotoxic hormone overload from the stress.The key takeaway is this: circumstances do not create our moods. I have been working hard. We do have some terrible politicians. It was super hot. And I don’t have granite countertops in my kitchen. I am 62. When I dissected where my mood came from, I found a thought… my partner always argues when I propose a new idea. Which is true. He is very conservative. That thought brought on frustration, the fight and, well, you saw the result.Now what if I substitute “my partner and I always manage to find the best idea together” which is absolutely true. I have over 2 decades of evidence to support how we have built a lovely life. Now the feeling is confidence/patience. The result is something new gets created without suffering.How elegant.It’s tough to always sort this out in the moment, though, isn’t it? That’s why we practice. And we learn. And I share with you so you can learn with me.Namaste This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cherylgordonyt.substack.com