Ana Miranda
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The day I refused to crawl under my blanket and sulk

9/9/2013

24 Comments

 
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You know when you’re waiting and hoping for something for 6 months, being all optimistic and making plans to actually get on with your life?

You can’t wait to get that piece of paper with a Yes on it and instead you get a No?

You’re dreaming about the day all the waiting is over and you can get decent work and move out of your in-laws’ like a good grown-up but instead life (the government) says: “Hold on! You haven’t wasted much of your time yet. You haven’t learned enough about patience yet! Let's play this game again!”?

First you refuse to believe, then you cry, then you start imagining all worst case scenarios, then you have a laugh and then you cry some more.

Well, we talked it over with a friend and I slept on it.

The day after, I decided not to be sad. Even though we hadn’t found a solution yet, I chose to believe we would figure it out and it would be alright.

I cleaned up the room – changed sheets, dusted, vacuumed and lit a scented candle.

Cleaning helps me put my thoughts in order.

I took a nice long shower, washed and conditioned my hair, scrubbed with a sponge and shaved; brushed and flossed my teeth.

I plucked out my eyebrows, applied a cleansing product on my face and moisturized my body.

I felt light, fresh and beautiful.

I turned off my computer and read a book instead.

I put on my bikini and sat outside soaking in some sun. The energy boost I needed!

I took a nap and felt invigorated.

It was a little improvised ritual that helped clear up my thoughts and calm down.  

The problem was still there and I was still worried, but I opened space for reason, clarity and hope, pushing and shrinking the anxiety to the small dark corner of my mind.  

For a moment I felt defeated and lost. It wasn’t funny, but today I can see there’s always a way.

If you’ve had shitty news or just a stinky day, resist the urge to sulk. It won’t get you anywhere and it’ll sure give you wrinkles and white hair. Take a little time and improvise a relaxing retreat! 

24 Comments
Kristy link
9/9/2013 07:30:52 am

Very positive! Thanks for sharing. I was already feeling great, now a relaxing retreat sounds tempting.

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Ana Elisa
10/9/2013 07:26:41 am

Thanks for your comment, Kristy!
Let me know how your retreats are.

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Caroline link
9/9/2013 08:53:34 am

So write, it really is as simple,sometimes, as making a decision to nurture yourself in difficult times instead of making it a whole lot harder on ourselves, love it, i will remember this the next time its needed, as it will, such is life. Its all about how we react to it huh, hope you get that yes soon :)

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Ana Elisa
10/9/2013 07:27:46 am

I hope so too, Caroline :)
Reacting to bad news the best way isn't always easy, right?

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sofia link
9/9/2013 09:22:39 am

To nap is one of my favorite things to do right after I put all my trust in the Universe when something goes wrong. The Universe has our back so after the nap everything's again possible ;-)

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Ana Elisa
10/9/2013 07:29:14 am

Deep down I believe it will be all right, but sometimes it's so hard to trust that the Universe has our back! It has to be a constant conscious choice.

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Marina
9/9/2013 10:04:17 am

Since I decided to postpone my au pair dream a month ago (because I still have a permission to drive and I want to get my full license before going to the US), I've been really nervous about what to do with my life. It was one of those moments when you reevaluate all your life and get really scared about how it's going to work out. But I'm coming back from it (thank God!) and your post reminded me that, sometimes, I need a break to think a bit clearer and kill those awful thoughts that we have when we're not thinking straight.
Thanks and keep up with the good work!

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Ana Elisa
10/9/2013 07:30:36 am

Marina, I really hope you can find clarity and peace when you need. Your dreams will come to life at the right moment :)

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Rachel link
10/9/2013 04:54:39 am

As someone who suffers from anxiety on and off (probably because I'm in somewhat of a similar situation) this ritual is an awesome idea. Actually I might do something similar today as I think I need a reset. Bikini not an option as it's cold and rainy today but I'm sure I can come up with something similar!

Good luck!

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Ana Elisa
10/9/2013 07:33:04 am

Good luck to you too, Rachel and let me know about your mini-retreat :)

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Nela Dunato link
10/9/2013 03:56:16 pm

Congratulations on having such a positive attitude :) I have a hard time switching I need at least one full day of sulking and thinking about all the worst case scenarios before I can wake up the next day and think about what I *can* do in this situation.

Good luck to you, I hope things will change for the better!

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Ana Elisa
12/9/2013 02:13:43 am

Thanks for your comment, Nela!
Most of the times I also need some time sulking and brooding, this was a good exception and I proved to myself that I've been learning and growing :)

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Billie link
10/9/2013 09:24:07 pm

It takes strength to do what you did. Proud of you! I'm sure something really good is right around the corner for you! Inspiring article!

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Ana Elisa
12/9/2013 02:14:46 am

Thanks, Billie!
I really hope some good news come around soon :)

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Sierra link
11/9/2013 12:50:15 am

Beautiful post! Sometimes it really is hard to get outta bed after a devastating blow, but getting on with life makes things easier.
Much love and light to you <3

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Ana Elisa
12/9/2013 02:16:28 am

Thank you so much Sierra :)
It really is the best we can do - getting up, recharging and doing what's possible at the moment.

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yiye zhang link
11/9/2013 03:33:37 pm

I LOVE your energy Ana! I find clean/decluttering very therapeutic too! In fact, they are under-stated "strategy tools/tactics" for us to move forward in life and biz!

all my love,
Yiye

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Ana Elisa
12/9/2013 02:18:55 am

Thanks, Yiye :)
Cleaning the outside world has such an influence in my inner world! It really clears my mind and helps me think.
Everyone should try it some time.

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prita link
18/9/2013 11:23:14 am

thanks for sharing this is almost exactly what I do when I'm feeling crap too!!! :) x Prita

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Ana Elisa
19/9/2013 05:02:41 am

Isn't it such a nice ritual for feeling good? :) xxx

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Sharon link
19/9/2013 11:58:25 pm

Good article & helpful!

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Ana Elisa
20/9/2013 03:28:18 am

Thanks, Sharon. I'm glad you like it :)

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Lyuba
3/7/2014 10:27:17 pm

Hi Ana,

that is a great post! It's a good positive approach.

I have the same strategy with ordering my flat when feel like i need more clarity in life :) hehehe :) cool, i'm not alone that strange :)

I'd love to meet you in person when move back to Ghent!

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Ana Elisa Miranda
7/7/2014 01:59:01 am

Hi Lyuba,

It feels great when everything around you is in order, right?

Let me know when you're in Ghent :)

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