Negative Feelings

Daily writing prompt
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

The answer to this question would depend on what is the focus of the negative feelings. They could be about myself, about someone else, or about a situation.

If I have negative feelings about myself, I have to call one of my children They always cheer me up and remind me that I’m not doing too bad a job of navigating my life. They tell me that my love for our family is invaluable, and that I am important to them. We try to be each other’s cheerleaders, and I’m very grateful to have my adult children and children-in-law.

If I have negative feelings about someone else, it usually can’t last long because I remind myself that we are all doing the best we can. I have many faults and weaknesses, and am so far from perfect. I remind myself that only God can judge – Jesus earned that right on the cross and boy, did he earn it.

If I have negative feelings about a situation, I have to turn to prayer. Only God can change a situation that is beyond my control, and I have to remember that He has my best interest at heart, no matter the situation or the outcome. God has always taken care of me, and I know He will continue to do this. While an unpleasant situation is happening, it can help to find the humor in it, although that’s not always possible or appropriate. I had negative feelings about a trip I took a few months ago with a couple of people that are physically challenged. The trip wasn’t easy or smooth, but we all had a good time and I would do it all again.