Canceling the Pity Party for One

I'll be the first to admit when I am not feeling like myself. We can probably all agree feeling inadequate, down on our luck, and in despair is simply the worst. I've recently encountered all of these emotions when I moved across the country in pursuit of a career just to be unemployed after four weeks.

When I first moved, I was excited, motivated, and ready for a change. After receiving rejection after rejection due to my lack of experience, I started to become depressed, I kept feeling sorry for myself, and would make up excuses to accept my sadness, laziness, and binge-eating. Ha, is it just me or do others turn to food when they're bummed out? Who am I kidding, this is America, everyone turns to food! (Thats a joke, don't take offense).

But I am finally done with the pity parties. I have decided to make some changes, and use this time to focus on myself. Maybe you can too.

See, when we're not happy, somethings got to change. We have one life, right? So why not laugh at the inconveniences, acknowledge the mental states, and try out something different.

So heres my story:

I went to school for 5 years acquiring two degrees. I participated in a division 1 sport (field hockey), taught yoga, instructed spinning, studied my ass off, all while trying to maintain my social life.

For me, there is clarity and relaxation through staying busy and occupied. Call me crazy.

So, being in the position with a lot of time on my hands, I felt bored, lost, and a big waste of space.

That feeling sucked. What sucked more was when I would sit around and eat my feelings, resulting in belly aches, disappointment, and disgust.

So, this is how I'm changing:

1) Bring faith back into your life.

Whether you believe in God, the Buddha, Pixie Dust, or simply the Universe, believe extra hard and pray your little heart out. There is an overwhelming sense of charity through sitting in silence and speaking to something/someone you believe is rooting for you. Tell them your struggles, ask for forgiveness, ask for some answers, and repeat. We live in a miraculous world, it would be silly not to think something wonderful is bound to happen to you!

2) Release endorphins!

Endorphins are wonderful. They are released on numerous occasions, and they're like candy for your mental state. Ladies, gents(?), put on some make-up, boom, endorphins released. Exercise!!! Go to cycling class, maybe some Zumba, or just go for a walk, boom endorphins! Yummy! Hey you could listen to some new music, maybe give "Honey" by 070 Shake—that's my favorite, currently.

3) Health is wealth!

I don't know your eating habits or how your body reacts to what but I know I feel better when I'm fueled with healthy options (specifically lots of fiber!) Warning: poop talk! It's crazy how much better you'll feel with a robust digestive system. I love clean poops, and what I mean by that is the ones that seem to require just one wipe, ya know? Throw some spinach into your life! Add lots of protein as well. Try cutting out the sugar! It's incredible how much mental clarity you'll find. Get rid of that shitty brain fog.

4) Patience

Put yourself out there. Be compassionate, be kind, and take your time. Rushing adds to anxiety. Just breathe. Take a break. Know that if only good comes from you, only good will come back to you. Which brings us back to #1, have faith.

5) Love

Love as hard as you can. Loving is beautiful, and it's similar to knowledge. Think about it: you can continuously learn, and you can always share that knowledge with others. And what ties knowledge and love into the same category is that when you share your knowledge, or you share your love, you aren't losing anything!!!!!!! You're simply adding something so beneficial to someone else, which in turn gives you a little something as well.

6) Say your morning affirmations.

For me, this was the money maker; this is what changed my life. I wake up, I sit down, and almost identical to meditation, I say my affirmations. If you'd like to consider that my mantra, sure. But I sit, I close my eyes, focus on my breath, and with every inhale followed by the exhale, I say a different affirmation. They can be big, they can be little—but try to keep them positive!

For example:

(Breathe) I am smart. (Breathe) I am productive. (Breathe) I am kind. (Breathe) I will be productive today. (Breathe) I am beautiful. (Breathe) I am stronger than I was yesterday. (Breathe) I accept challenges. (Breathe) I will accomplish everything on my plate today.

You can adjust accordingly, but its fun, relaxing, energizing, and totally worth a shot.

In conclusion, I've decided to write this post because it's something I wish I stumbled upon weeks ago. Whoever you are, if you've made it this far in the article, know that I AM ROOTING FOR YOU. Make this life your bitch and love the hell out of it. Why not, right? <3

Know that I am still unemployed. Yes, that is a bummer, but what's a bummer when you focus on how cool it is just to be ALIVE.