[BonsaiGuy]

Lately I've been struggling with negative outside stimuli crippling my mood. It seems like my centering activities haven't been as effective as I would like them to be.

Weather it's news/ politics, my wife and our financial outlook, incompetence at work, or even just random but normal discomforts and annoyances (bad drivers for example), I will become seriously agitated or unable to center myself in a positive way.

Anyone else have experience with this? If so, what do you do to calm down or bounce back to your desired state?

[sarahsweets]

I pop that bubble and breathe deep.

I don't let anyone control either me, or what I feel or do.

I had someone a few days ago who had a disagreement with me, then, because she felt like it, turned it so that I felt sorry and guilty for her

I'm like.. i'm sorry you don't like what I have to say, but I'm not sorry for how I feel- and that's how it is.

I try to stay away from drama (because drama can land you in all sorts of places)

I say to myself, "this is who I am, I know myself better than anyone."

I do what I want, when I want to do it

the fact I keep myself to myself really helps, too

because their's no one here to influence me

[MickeyCheeky]

I can relate to what you wrote, BonsaiGuy Do you see a therapist? Maybe that could help. Unfortunately we can't change the world around us... but we can change ourselves, and how we react to it. So I think the best solution is to learn how not to be too bothered when these annoyances occur. My advice would be to avoid the kind of things that usually makes you stressed out (such as some news) as much as we can, and maybe find some distractions that can help you when you're struggling. Recognize when you're feeling like this and try to fight those negative thougths with positive ones. It's not easy, it requires some exercise, but maybe it could work. Have you tried some activities like yoga? Maybe that could help reduce your stress as well. Whathever works best for you. I hope you'll be able to find the best solution for yourself. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

Gosh I wish I had a good answer to this. Lately I’ve been easily shaken up and rattled and I want to stop it. I wonder if there are any good books on this subject?

[BonsaiGuy]

Originally Posted by Sisabel

Gosh I wish I had a good answer to this. Lately I’ve been easily shaken up and rattled and I want to stop it. I wonder if there are any good books on this subject?

I'm sure if we put our heads together we can find something!! I love to read as well! It seems to be one of the most therapeutic activities I enjoy on a regular basis.

I will look around and get back to you if I come up with anything!

[BonsaiGuy]

Originally Posted by MickeyCheeky

I can relate to what you wrote, BonsaiGuy Do you see a therapist? Maybe that could help. Unfortunately we can't change the world around us... but we can change ourselves, and how we react to it. So I think the best solution is to learn how not to be too bothered when these annoyances occur. My advice would be to avoid the kind of things that usually makes you stressed out (such as some news) as much as we can, and maybe find some distractions that can help you when you're struggling. Recognize when you're feeling like this and try to fight those negative thougths with positive ones. It's not easy, it requires some exercise, but maybe it could work. Have you tried some activities like yoga? Maybe that could help reduce your stress as well. Whathever works best for you. I hope you'll be able to find the best solution for yourself. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

MickeyCheeky, thank you so much for your very thorough and very loving post! This is the support I was looking for and everything I needed to hear all at once. You really have no idea how much your words have actually helped me with this. Thank you!

I do have a therapist and I have a wonderful relationship with her. I fell as if we are making great progress but I always keep in mind that Rome wasn't built in a day! I will be sure to bring this up with her.

On the matter of yoga... My wife has been encouraging me to take this up with her. You are the second person (not counting her) to bring this up to me this weekend, so I feel like the world is pointing me in this direction! I am initially attracted to the idea due to it's seeming a combination of meditation and physical engagement with an approachable challenge. Also, I look for any activity that encourages me to share an enjoyable time with my wife. Am I on the right track here? Do you have any recommendations to get started? I believe this could help me with all my mental issues as well with my physical pain...

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm glad my post was helpful to you, BonsaiGuy I believe you're definitely on the right track. Try to ask your wife if there's anything in particular that she would like to do with you. I'm sure that will help as well. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

[avlady]

I am happy you liked your post from MickeyCheeky!!!

[Medusax]

I stay home and alone as much as I can. I am at my best mentally and emotionally when I am within my perimeter.

[BonsaiGuy]

Medusax, I like how your signature confirms your post Way to be consistent!

[Medusax]

Originally Posted by BonsaiGuy

Medusax, I like how your signature confirms your post Way to be consistent!

I am nothing if not consistent. There are some who call it stubborn, but as long as it keeps them "over there', I'm good with it