If you are my Facebook friend you saw a post today about home repair. A branch fell on my electrical line which pulled the line and some siding away from my house. The electric company said I needed an electrician. The electrician replaced the insulator and said the electric company had to cut back branches. The electric company came, removed branches, but wouldn’t fix the box. The electrician said I needed a line man with a bucket truck. The electric company said OK but then took 10 days to come. In the meantime it rained and stormed and I think there might be bees.
So in normal times this is a first world problem, and you deal with it, and it gets done. But these are not normal times. These are times where frustration is already through the ceiling, where we are feeling pretty helpless anyway, where every little thing feels so much bigger than it is. Plus it is dangerous!!
I cannot say that my response was always perfect, but I will tell you the three coping mechanisms I used to get through this without resorting to the coping mechanisms that are not so healthy.
First, I was unfailingly polite. I know that how I behaved toward others is important to me. I am judgmental about that, I admit it. And most of the people I talked to are not in charge of what happens. So I was kind while explaining just how frustrated or anxious I was. And people responded to that kindness consistently far above my expectation. Kindness not only makes me feel good about myself, it brings positive results.
Second, I took a gratitude moment. I have a lot to be thankful for. A lot. And even in the midst of this ongoing problem I never lost my power (electrical power and otherwise). So when I started despairing, I made myself say 10 things I am grateful for, and then 10 more for good measure. It is a reality check to realize how very blessed you really are. There are many more blessings than anything else
Finally, I accomplished something. In other words, I took control where I could. Maybe I cleaned the kitchen or emptied a drawer or finished a book or called a friend. I did something concrete that gave me, an admitted overachiever, a sense of accomplishment. I could point to a good result and feel a bit better.
You probably have your own ways of positive coping. Just be aware of them, practice them, make them a habit. Health doesn’t just happen, we have to practice it. Take very good care of yourselves and behave in ways that help you to know how wonderful you are!!