When life throws you lemons

krista glavichLife can find the most inappropriate time to be really difficult - a computer meltdown right before a deadline, a relationship break-up before an important wedding, a complete lack of motivation right before a big show, etc. We all have our own stories but we can learn a lot from others and their personal ways of coping. Do you give yourself a break and a little r and r or do you push through, working like crazy to help focus the mind? In a serious bout of turmoil, I like to suggest to friends to just do whatever healthy thing that gets them through but to take time to reflect and learn from the experience. One of the best outcomes of reflection is learning what makes you feel better, what helps you regain motivation and what friends you can actually count on to help you pull through. Take a mental note or actually write it down in your journal. Whatever you do, remember and when life throws you the next batch of lemons, you are armed and ready to fight back by knowing what makes you smile.

I spent yesterday scouring through salvage lots looking for old rustic ladders and drawers to use for my next craft show. I know that something about antique stores, flea markets and salvage lots give me overwhelming sense of hope and always help stir up creative thoughts. Something about an old object that someone couldn't bear to throw in the dump housed by people that understand and want to share its rustic beauty and the ideas of reincarnation and giving something a second chance - all this is my way of healing. Remembering this and that I have a few of those friends and family members that check in weekly or even daily is so much. Next time something really makes you smile jot it down or make a mental note but keep it in your heart's holster so you are ready to go.