This past week was a challenging one for me emotionally. There is no “one thing” I could point to as the source of my discomfort. It could have been that my hormones were a bit out of whack, it might have been that I was more tired than usual, or perhaps it was a culmination of the anxiety I have been feeling around my next career move. More than likely it was a mixture of all the above. Needless to say, I found myself struggling to find the good in my current circumstances and instead fixated on that mindset trap of, “I will be happy when…”
Over the weekend, Daniel and I took a trip to Idyllwild, California to hike Tahquitz peak. Over our eight mile venture, there was ample time to reflect and to share those reflections with one another.
Daniel and I both self-identify as dreamers. This serves us in many ways, but can also keep us from enjoying the fruits of our present. Daniel was sharing with me how he wishes he had more friends living close by, how he wants more time to ride or to mountain bike…I was sharing how I just want a job that I love, and I want to live somewhere amongst the pine trees and mountains. We were playing out that, “I’ll be happy when…” drama so perfectly.
Luckily, we both recognize our tendency to do this and (for the most part) can catch ourselves, or at least catch one another, in the act. We have eloquently coined the term “being a poopy pants”.
We took a moment to stop mid-hike (something we RARELY do) and sit on a rock, just taking in the valley below. The truth is, our lives are pretty great right now and there’s a lot to celebrate. For one, we live roughly one hour from Idyllwild, California which has quickly become one of my favorite places. Additionally – we live in a beautiful home that allows for our friends and family to come and visit. We both have healthy and athletic bodies that enable us to spend our weekends hiking up new peaks!
I am a strong believer in the “law of attraction”. The more you celebrate your life, the more life celebrates you. For example, if you want more friends, then start by really celebrating the ones you have. If you want to make more money, celebrate the money or resources you have coming in. If you want a home in the mountains, celebrate the nature around you right now. If you want to cultivate more joy, express joy.
I don’t mean to overly simplify the challenges and difficult emotions that we all face as part of this human experience. Not everything that happens in life is something to celebrate. And at times our situation is in fact pretty “poopy”. What I am suggesting is that we can bring ourselves out of those challenging situations, or navigate through the difficult emotions, when we find ways, or things, to celebrate. Instead of staying stuck, we push forward.
This morning I found myself back in that “poopy pants” place. I wallowed for a bit, I must admit, journaling on all of my anxieties and qualms. But then I took myself to my favorite local trail system. I noticed the birds singing, the native wildflowers blooming and the ease with which my body moves. I said a silent thank you. I let myself celebrate the beauty of that moment. And sure enough, my mood began to brighten as the sun rose higher. As the day progressed, I found more to celebrate and my woes of the morning seemed less important or pressing.
Daniel and I made a commitment to one another. When we witness the other exhibiting “poopy pants” symptoms, expressing that “things will be better when…” we can use the code word “poopy pants” to snap out of it. We can ask one another, “List your favorite things about our room” or “List the best thing you did today.” We can push that “poop” out and move on with the day, with a lighter spirit and sharper focus.
This weekend, and in the week ahead, I encourage you to look at what you can celebrate whenever “poopy pants” begin to gloom over your day. Then, notice how life becomes just a little bit easier.
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