Okay. Brain is waking up.

Last week was a difficult week. This time of year always is. Friday was my sister's birthday, and the 6th anniversary of her death is in a few weeks. Thursday and Friday I was particularly crabby. I was sad and teary. I barked at my family a few times.

. . . and then, I stopped and reminded myself that what I was barking about wasn't the issue. I took some time to remember and feel and honor my sister. I took some time to just allow the sadness to be what it was. I wrote an email to my other sister since I knew she was probably experiencing the same emotions.

. . . and then I felt much calmer and at peace, and I was able to enjoy the rest of my long weekend.

One thing I've learned about myself is that if I'm feeling particularly edgy or anxious or irritable, I need to stop and just ask myself "What is really going on?" Once I acknowledge the real issue, it is usually a pretty quick trip to feeling calmer. I don't have to analyze it to death or solve the problem; I simply have to acknowledge what it really is.