Sunday Reflections: Guide for Coping When Feeling Distressed

Talking with friends, it’s evident that so many of us are still feeling somewhat depressed since Covid19. I know it’s difficult to be positive when we have no idea when this will end or what the future will bring, but it’s important for all of us to practice self-care. I’ve struggled with some depression too. There was a period of time that I was so crabby, that I couldn’t even stand myself. I found practicing being more positive has been helpful to my state of mind.

While sorting through a box of papers a couple of months ago, I found these list. I think I picked them up at a health fair some time ago, because I have family members who have addiction issues. Although written for Al-anon families, the tips would benefit anyone who is struggling with issues in their life.

Just For Today

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my “luck” as it comes, and fit myself to it.
Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.
Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anyone knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don’t want to do – just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.
Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low, be courteous, criticize not one bit. I won’t find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.

Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will
save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.
Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.
Just for today I will I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to notice what is beautiful and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

For those that have family or friends with alcohol dependency, al-anon.org is a wonderful resource.

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