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Staying Buoyant On Your Own
On the upside of single, is not contending with a grumpy spouse who can drag your mood down. But the reverse is also true. When it comes to lifting your spirits, you’re often on your own. That’s why it’s important to build diverse networks of people (and pets) who think you’re fabulous and are lavish with praise. In the quiet of home, how do you stay confident? Practice gratitude. Dwell on accomplishments. Have your affirmations handy.
Illustration by Olimpia Zagnoli
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6 comments for “Staying Buoyant On Your Own”
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In order to stay confident, I tune into what I am thinking. If there are negative thoughts, I ask myself why am I thinking that way? Is it because someone said something and I am dwelling on it? I hone in on it and start putting positive thoughts in my mind. Like you mentioned in your post, I like to dwell on accomplishments. And my accomplishments can range from making my yard look marvelous to completing a run.
I also have a Daily Zen app on my iPhone and I look to it for some neat and positive thoughts. I also have the attitude of embracing the light and the dark. There are days I am full of confidence and others I am a scowling meanie. I allow my emotions to wash over me, letting go of the anger, but holding onto the happiness.
And when all else fails, I hit the sack and sleep on it, telling myself it will be better in the morning. And it is…I hit the ground running to face a new day.
So many good strategies. I love the idea of the Daily Zen app. I’ll look into that.
One of the best things about living alone is that there is no one around to look at you as if you’re crazy when you talk to yourself. When I feel like I’m heading down the negative path I stop myself by telling myself, out loud, that I don’t have time for this and make sure I think of all of the positive things I have in my life. I spent all my 20s and a good part of my 30s clinically depressed and I’ve decided I’m just not going to do it any more.
Sing it loud, Michele.
Music! Put on the music that you want to listen to and dance and/or sing your heart out! Music is so great at helping get the “icks” out.
Sing and dance it out. Great suggestion!