Feeling Out of Sorts

You are irritated.  You took your car to be serviced.  You had a long wait and now a part needs to be ordered, and you will need to come back.  The weather was cloudy and dreary, and you have absorbed the same mood.  You are feeling “out of sorts.” Your spirits are low, and you are impatient, grumpy, cranky, and just in a mood.  You feel “blah.”

Moods tend to change with the weather and situations of life.  Something happens that you did not expect.  You become frustrated and that mood becomes your attitude toward everything around you.  It creates a negativity toward others and life in general.  You begin to think everyone is against you, and nothing you attempt will turn out right.  It becomes that all or nothing mentality.

Life has its issues and problems, but it is not all bad nor is everyone and everything out to get you.  It is separating situations.  The car repair has nothing to do with who you are.  Things break and need repairs.  That is life.  It does not need to ruin your day.  You cannot change it.  You accept the broken and find a way to deal with it.  Sometimes you may need to ask for help. There is nothing wrong with reaching out for help.  You were created to live in community with others, and sometimes we all need a little help and encouragement.

So, how do you get past feeling out of sorts?  After you separate the incident that triggered your grouchy feelings, change your focus from yourself to others.  Compliment someone.  Do something for someone else.  It gets yourself out of the “woe is me” attitude.  It also gives purpose and meaning to your moments.  You recognize what made you irritated really does not matter as much as you let it get to you.  Priorities get messed up when you put so much emphasis on things that will not matter tomorrow, next week or next year.  Relationships and how we care for others have eternal value.

 Then, look up to release the “out of sorts” feelings.  When you go outside and look up, you see no material possessions.  All you see is creation – the birds, the sky, the clouds, the trees.  Take a deep breath and breathe in the moment.  Then release your breath and let go of whatever has a hold on your attitude.  Think about what really is important, who you are, and whose you are.

 If what you are doing has you feeling out of sorts, maybe you should not be doing it. Sometimes you have no choice but to do what you are currently doing.  It may be your job or caring for someone.  Then focus not on the big picture but try to find something in the experience that brings you joy.  Smile at co-workers and enjoy something humorous together.  Ask questions to the one you are caring for that focuses on who the person is and what the person enjoys. 

Get out of your head.  Your thoughts are stuck in the rut of self-pity and woe.  You feed this negativity by connecting it to every situation and person.  Sometimes you just have to sit down and talk to yourself.  “Self, what happened does not need to change my attitude.  It happened.  Now move on from it.  Don’t take it out on everyone around you.”  Turn yourself around and look for the good.

 Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In The Different