Picking myself up.

Some days I just feel bad. Physically yes, emotionally: moreso. These days are consumed with the almost overwhelming sense that something bad is happening or going to happen. Often they come after a restless night interrupted by nightmares and bad dreams. The feeling of doom hangs heavy and causes nausea and trembling hands along with restlessness and anxiety. In short, it is the flesh momentarily getting the upper hand on my spirit which is dedicated to God and in receipt of His peace. On these days I have to recalibrate my awareness. If you have days like this, let me share a few things that often help me.

1. Prayer. Not just your run of the mill prayer but walking through the house and boldly talking with God out loud and claiming His promise of peace. I talk to Him, plead with Him, thank Him - but above all else just get in touch with Him and really start having a vigorous conversation.
2. Listing. I start listing what I have to be thankful for and what I see around me that should be making me happy. My family, my wife, my precious daughter, my brothers and sisters in the Lord, my work, my mind, my friends, my home. I list mentally all the good things I can think of and I do my best to dwell on them.
3. Insulate. I remove worldly influences that may be getting me down. Several years ago I got into the habit of having the TV in my office running on low volume when I worked, just for background noise. Usually it is a news channel, which as we all know has been mostly bad as of late. I switch it off, put on Gospel music or Christmas music and begin to insulate myself from negative factors in my environment.
4. Go Outside. It is amazing to me how much this helps! I work indoors, but when I am feeling distressed I will get up and go out. The air, the rain, the birds, our cats, our dog, the world around me comes thundering back to reality.
5. Think about Heaven. I love to think about Heaven and how great it will be. I have my own picture of what it will be like and I can retreat into that vision and find peace.

I'm sure there are other techniques that others use that are just as effective. These work for me and if there is anything here that will help you, use it - I don't have this system patented!

Have some ice cream!

Enjoy!