Some Days Are Like That

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

"I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning, I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." -Alexander

We've all had them...

That day that maybe started out fine but then went downhill. Or alternatively, a day where you opened your eyes and immediately realized you "slept wrong" (as my mom would say) and dealt with a crick in your neck all day long. Sometimes the day is serious, other times merely annoying, or maybe we make a mountain out of a molehill, overflow the coffee pot, forget an appointment, snag a sweater, culminating in a choice word spoken in haste to a good friend. All hypothetical, of course. 

Now what to do? Well, glad you asked! Here's my list (Check out the last one - it's especially wonderful! A magic elixir, you could say)

• Be gentle with yourself.

• Maybe - if possible - stay in for the night, with no expectations. Warm soup and crusty bread optional.

• Pet your dog (or cat or lizard).

• Go out on a walk. Extra credit for finding five things you’re grateful for.

• Just call it. Sometimes when I’m having one of those days I keep trying to reframe it, make it positive, look for the lesson, be introspective, but sometimes the day is just “terrible, horrible” and admitting it somehow takes the pressure off. Then the day can just unfold as it will and I can give myself a break from trying to manufacture a “learning opportunity.” After all, things do come to an end, and we’ve already survived 100% of our past no good, very bad days.

• Now, try some Box Breathing, lovely breath technique that will help your central nervous system quiet down. 

Box Breath:

1. Sit comfortably.

2. Exhale completely.

3. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 4.

4. Hold your breath for a count of 4.

5. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 4.

6. Hold your breath for a count of 4.

7. Repeat the cycle for several minutes. 

And when you go to bed that night, remember the words of Alexander's (very wise) mom:

"Some days are like that. Even in Australia."

In all grace and peace.