It’s Nice to Be Appreciated… Especially on a Bad Day

Today’s been such a lousy day. So many little things have been getting under my skin. My tolerance level is just above an ant’s head. I’m dragging as if carrying a hundred bricks in a sack. Feeling emotionally heavy, heavy, heavy.

I’m a big believer in focusing on the solution. You know what I mean? If you’re facing something that’s a challenge, we can gripe and moan and complain about it (focusing on the problem) or we can choose to accept the situation (in this case, that today stinks) and let it be what it is (lousy). Then figure out ways to just make it through the day (or to solve the problem), even if it begins to feel as if you’re counting each second as it ticks by.

So what’s my solution today? Well, if you’ve read my blog, you know I listen to John Mayer to get myself into a better place. So, for me, that’s step one (his music is playing right this very minute). Turning to music always works wonders for me — it’s something I’ve done since I first started liking music (when I was around seven or eight). Okay, so I did that.

Hmm…

Still feeling crummy.

I could just go to sleep. Curl up in the fetal position and sleep. The time would go by more quickly, but then I’d have trouble going to sleep tonight.

So…I write. That’s actually another thing I’ve done for as long as I can remember.

Just before beginning to write, I checked my incoming links and saw this wonderful little gift from my friend Ann over at A Nice Place in the Sun.

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What touches me most about this token of kindness is that she first gave me the “You Cheer Me Up” award when this blog was still called Being a Mom is Great! but noticed that I didn’t transfer it here to the soapbox (didn’t want to be presumptuous), so she gave me another. I think that’s thoughtful and considerate. Thanks, Anne! Your timing couldn’t be better.

It’s nice to be appreciated. Especially on the lousy days.

Tell me. What do you do when you’re having a really bad day??

Written by SoapB
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19 comments ↓

#1 Tara R. on 03.06.08 at 12:38 pm

Really bad day? Workout… hit the heavy bag until my knuckles are red. Great stress reliever!

Tara R.’s last blog post..Doppelgangers

#2 Momo Fali on 03.06.08 at 4:10 pm

Mostly I cry like a baby.

Oh, and I appreciate YOU!

Momo Fali’s last blog post..My Left Foot

#3 Maria on 03.06.08 at 5:03 pm

I curse my family out in my head, listen to Coldplay and watch violent films. And I write too. :)
Maria’s last blog post..NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

#4 dan leone on 03.06.08 at 6:43 pm

I visit you.

I hope your tomorrow goes better.

dan leone’s last blog post..Thank you

#5 Soapb on 03.06.08 at 8:33 pm

Tara: Oh, yes! That’s a great idea! Thanks.

Momo: Aww…sometimes I do that, too. But today, you have much to celebrate, no?? ;-)

And thanks for your words of encouragement!!

Maria: You are so funny! I just spent some time on your blog and love how candid and strong you are! Sorry about Swayze…

I like Coldplay, too!

Dan: Thanks. Me, too. How’d the run/jog go?

#6 Ann Clemmons on 03.07.08 at 1:28 am

I really appreciate perceptive people. I guess thats one of the reasons you write well- This blog had to have a You Cheer Me Up Award. You should have brought it with you, it’s yours. Although, I appreciate the fact that you were trying not to be presumptuous and would have done the same thing. (probably) ( LOL)

I’m glad the timing worked out, and thank you for appreciating me. Oh, and to answer your question, I write, but it doesn’t always work, so I walk, and then I usually think of something I can write and that makes me happy- for awhile. Music is a good one- :))

Ann Clemmons’s last blog post..The One In A Million Friend Award

#7 Deb (Missives From Suburbia) on 03.07.08 at 7:03 am

Ask me tomorrow.

Deb (Missives From Suburbia)’s last blog post..The Height of Efficiency

#8 Jodi(aka daizie) on 03.07.08 at 3:43 pm

Wow….never thought about it truly. I guess to chill out, painting or putting my jammies on and hanging with my kids…Music works too…and sometimes just sleep.

I hope the day brings some calm and a bit of peace…
here is to a great weekend!

Jodi(aka daizie)’s last blog post..A peek into…15 seconds of my life

#9 Ashley (Boss Sanders) on 03.07.08 at 8:29 pm

I added you to my I HEART YOU list on http://www.bosssanders.com :) Hope you have a good weekend, hon! xoxo

Ashley (Boss Sanders)’s last blog post..It’s my party?and I’ll dance if I want to!

#10 lotusflower on 03.08.08 at 7:16 am

I go to the wet market, buy my favorite food ingredients, cook, eat, drink wine (half a wineglass) all by my lonesome, punctuated by playing my favorite CDs, like The 3 Tenors in full volume :-)

Cheers!

lotusflower’s last blog post..Sarang hamida Koreans

#11 Johnina on 03.08.08 at 7:44 am

Cheer up sweetie, we all have those days. Of course some more than others (ME).
{For me no matter what the situation is all it takes is a hug or phone call from the hubby and I’m all better. }
{{Hugs}} To you!

#12 James on 03.08.08 at 4:33 pm

He’s young still but coming home to Lukas has done wonders for my bad days at work. Makes all troubles melt away. Music is also great to relieve stress.

#13 Sandy (Momisodes) on 03.08.08 at 7:50 pm

I mope, and whine, like a broken record. I’m so glad I read this post. I too am HUGE John Mayer fan, as well as Jamie Cullum and a few other artists who’s music I turn to just the way you do… :) Nothing else evokes more clarity and emotion within me.

Congrats on the award!
Oh and BTW, I’ve added you to my blogroll :-)
Sandy (Momisodes)’s last blog post..So What If They’re Fake?

#14 Joe on 03.09.08 at 4:52 pm

I like to soak myself in lamp oil and dance like a penguin. LOL!

When I am feeling down…I play first person shooter games and cap baddies in the head with a sniper rifle, but I am guy, so I am not sure if that is a universal thing. Oh, I am also a nerd, SOOO once again, not sure if it is a universal thing. So, recap, if you are a guy or nerd, perhaps try a first person shooter game. Anything you are really focused on takes your mind off of other less pleasant things I find. Wow, I rambled. Peace Girl Friend!

#15 Ellen on 03.10.08 at 6:39 am

Sorry.. my reaction is a bit late, but sure hope you’re feeling better today!!

I’m still trying to get into the rhtyhm of a new and stressful job, which kinda comes with a lack of time (to catch up with my fav blogs, like yours), a lot of sleep and … a number of ‘bad days’..

What helps me is music (e.g. India Arie), have fun and hugs with my kids, a phone call with my loved one, or indeed, exercise! Exercise (when it is something you like to do) always brings back those happy feelings..

Warm wishes to you,

Ellen
p.s. wow, that CommentLuv really is a great feature, and a beautiful way to show your appreciation for your commenters!

Ellen’s last blog post..The World’s Top 10 Questions

#16 Deb (Missives From Suburbia) on 03.11.08 at 12:07 pm

When I’m having a bad day, I read your blog. :)
Deb (Missives From Suburbia)’s last blog post..My First Time

#17 Dapoppins on 03.11.08 at 4:45 pm

visiting via the BUZZ

When I feel icky I try to write, or I lay in bed and think about writing….

Dapoppins’s last blog post..Where the magic happens

#18 Heather Dugan on 03.12.08 at 5:02 am

When I’m at loose ends emotionally, I visit my grandma. Always a good thing to go hold her hand, and I feel better knowing I’ve done at least one thing right then…

I also run. When my joints get achy, that usually means I’ve had a lot on my mind!

Heather Dugan’s last blog post..Hitting the “Pause” Button… (Blizzard 2008)

#19 esa on 03.14.08 at 2:19 pm

Love your blog! I’m just discovering how much writing helps. That, and a great big glass of wine or a couple hours painting.
Thanks for the link! I’m adding you to mine, too.

esa’s last blog post..Bye, bye David Hernandez…and Jason Castro’s safe!

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