Change Your Patterns

Sometimes, all we need is a little shift. A change in the way we do things can make a world of difference in so many areas. I want to discuss changing our patterns when we are aware that something brings on sadness or makes our spirit low.

I was speaking with an old friend last week and that person was discussing feelings of being depressed every time this one particular thing in their life happens. The person knows that the feelings are going to come and has come to expect them and participates in them. As I listened, I was reminded of a tragedy that occurred in my life many years ago. I lost someone very significant in my life and received the call on a beautiful, cold and sunny, Sunday afternoon after going grocery shopping. I barely remember putting the grocery bags down. My life completely changed the moment I heard the news and I was overcome with grief. I continued doing grocery shopping on Sunday's after church. Each time I would bring the bags in and drop them to the floor I would feel very sad. Sunday's were super tough for me back then. My mind connected and related dropping the grocery bags on the floor, on a Sunday, to the day that I received that phone call. It was suggested to me to change my pattern; my Sunday routine. Of course Sunday's were probably going to continue to be tough for me for some time but I didn't need the added trigger if I could change it. So, I stopped going grocery shopping on Sunday's for a very long time. It definitely helped.

I shared that story with my friend and suggested that they do the same. I suggested that they begin to prepare for that time differently. The time occurs once a year, at the same time of the year. If you can avoid the gut wrenching feeling of sadness to some degree,; if you can eliminate some of the pain just by trying something different, why not try it?

If driving down a certain street sets off your internal alarm each time you drive down that particular street, consider changing your route. You may only need to do it temporarily. If watching a certain movie brings you back to a time that you don't want to think about, don't watch it.

I'm able to go shopping on Sunday afternoons now. I needed time to heal. Sometimes doing the very thing, going down that street or watching that movie can bring healing as well. However, you may just need a little time away from those things. Allow yourself the opportunity to change it up. Don't punish yourself.

Loss, grief, separation and traumatic experiences will undoubtedly bring on feelings of sadness, fear and uncertainty but we can adjust some things to help us through them.

Don't be afraid to readjust and alter your patterns and routines. Take the step to make the heavy load just a little bit lighter.

#mindbodyspirit #beblessedandbewell

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