I recognized the warning signs. My posture was slumped and the corners of my lips dipped. I felt vulnerable and worried that I may lose control again. Instead of enabling self-pity, I assessed the situation.
I thought of current issues, perceived problems, and potential problems.
This is what happened.
My task list grew longer, frustrating situations took priority and I only used one or two coping activities in the past month.
While I tried to understand my recent regression, I completed a mindful activity in my workbook. At first, my emotions and physiological responses intensified.
The prompt was to focus on one current emotion, describe a related action and sound, describe the intensity of it, and write related thoughts.
Also, the activity involved drawing the emotion. I found it difficult to focus on one emotion, but I chose several that seemed to influence each other. By the end of the activity, I noticed some relief.
It’s important to acknowledge and share these observations because it reminds us that a difficult day is not the end.
It’s not defeat. It’s not weakness. It’s a part of the process. I have made a lot of progress and I choose to make today better than yesterday.
I wish you the best.