OVERCOMING A DARK DAY.
As I’m proceeding with my 90-day gratitude challenge, this’s what I was grateful for on the 10th day – DARK DAYS.
I, like everyone else, have different experiences when it comes to dark moments. From how I choose to accept them, the reflections, and ways of handling and responding hence different repercussions. Some of these dark days led to depression, losing most of the things I valued - partners, friends, money, opportunities, etc. Regardless, I’m obliged to say, that some of these days birthed the best version of me.
I believe these are the days that added value to my life story and made it more meaningful.
“life has dark moments and it’s out of our darkness that we often find our greatest beauties and strength.” – Bryant Mcgill
Surviving a dark day is backbreaking. It takes so much will for a person to show up and be able to get things done.
The power of turning the dark day into the brightest one is magical, and there is no guiding manual guaranteed to give you that complete shift.
Here are a couple of things I always do to prevail over a dark day.
1. PRAY.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”- Philippians 4:6
I cannot begin to describe how many times prayers worked wonders for me, it’s through prayers that I’ve always been able to discern my dark moments and respond to them accordingly.
And whenever I’m praying, I allow my vulnerable self to flourish, being genuine, intentional, and most of all, being myself. I love clarity, and that’s what I obtain prayers, peace, hopes, and transformation – It comes in that package.
So here’s the thing, go make that conversation with your God (or any other highest power you believe in). Do not limit yourself, vent!
2. CALL A LOVED ONE.
“Standing near someone you love in a time of trouble is its reward.” – Paul David
As humans, we always need to be seen and heard. And this desire gets stronger when we’re in our dark moments. It’s about wanting someone who can effortlessly understand us and what we’re going through at the moment.
It can be a parent, sibling, friend, the one you refer to as “LOML”, or any other person that crosses your mind while reading this. Yes, that one.
That one person who always shines some light in your life, your care-bear, a shoulder to cry on, the one who makes you laugh out loud, smile, and bring the best out of you.
It’s incredible how one person can make you feel better, their sense of concern and sometimes just them showing up brightens the day.
3. WRITE.
I get it, sometimes talking about what you’re going through can be quite challenging, or maybe it can be hard for you to find the right person to talk to. So, the best thing to do is – write.
Write everything down. Unveil yourself in that piece of paper a diary, or a notebook. (whatever you find it best to use)
This time around, let go of your trust issues. (you can trust the pen and paper unless you’re not careful enough to let it be read by someone else)
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Write about what you’re feeling, what you think made you feel that way, and write about anything that crosses your mind. Just write anything!
4. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation of all abundance”- Eckhart Tolle.
Being grateful can lift a soul, it’s an antidote to negative thoughts and a catalyst for happiness. You don’t need to have a lot to be grateful, the little things you have, the memories, the people around you are enough for you to be grateful.
And, do not wait to get into that dark moment to be grateful. You can make it a daily routine. Start and end your day with gratitude. That can completely spare you from getting into a dark day.
5. GET AWAY.
It doesn’t need to be a vacation or a fancy self-date. You can simply go for a walk, hiking, or just somewhere different from your area of comfort.
Go out, get a new view, meet new people, and expose yourself to the world. And, don’t forget to take pictures. Yeah, good pictures of you and the places.
Doing this can better your thinking, clear your mind, and lighten up your mood. Effortlessly.
6. CLEANING.
A cluttered environment has a link to negative emotions, more stress, confusion, and limited brain functionality. Keeping the place around you clean and whole engagement in the cleaning process helps to gain a sense of control and satisfaction that has a calming effect.
Y’all can agree with me that, sleeping in a clean room, and putting on clean pajamas makes a better night – the feeling is top-tier. Now imagine being in an organized room, having a well-arranged wardrobe, just like that.
In case cleaning your environment sounds like a lot to you, do a personal cleanse. Go for a manicure and pedicure, wash your hair, and try out that skin care you’ve always been putting off.
The cleanness on the outside reflects the cleanness on the inside, and vice versa.
7. LISTEN TO A FAVOURITE PLAYLIST
Researchers at Stanford University said, “Listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the extent of medication.”
Music has a profound effect on both body and emotions.
Listening to your favorite music playlist is the simplest way to brighten your day. Need I say more?, NO.
Now go and enjoy.
To a person experiencing a dark moment, this may sound too farfetched but believe me, such moments in life are temporary, they never last. I want you to know, you’ll get through it. Always remember, you have a light inside you that will surpass whatever darkness you’re into. And if you still can’t figure out what to do, practice what I just wrote above. I wish you nothing but the entire best in your life journey.
I know you also have the things you do to get through a dark day. Drop them in the comment section below, I’m eagerly waiting to hear from you.
Love, Da. Lily.
