So, You’re Down in the Dumps?

Summary

The article encourages personal resilience and outward kindness as key strategies for overcoming life's challenges and improving one's mindset.

Abstract

The article "So, You’re Down in the Dumps?" addresses the common human experience of facing difficult periods where nothing seems to go right. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing these moments as normal and encourages individuals to pick themselves up and take action to improve their situation. The author suggests practical steps such as engaging in acts of kindness, focusing on others, and maintaining a positive outlook despite adversity. The article argues that while these practices may not lead to immediate material gains, they are crucial for personal growth and can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life.

Opinions

The author acknowledges that feeling down is a universal experience and encourages a non-judgmental acceptance of these periods.
Self-reliance is a key theme, with the author asserting that personal responsibility is essential for overcoming adversity.
Acts of kindness towards others are seen as a powerful tool for personal healing and improving one's own mental state.
The article promotes the idea that changing one's mindset can have a significant impact on life circumstances, suggesting that a positive attitude can lead to better life outcomes.
The author believes that while external success is not guaranteed, the internal work of cultivating positivity and kindness is an investment in oneself that can lead to the fulfillment of desires and goals.

So, You’re Down in the Dumps?

If you’re anything like me or anything like most people, you go through periods in your life where the puzzle pieces just aren’t coming together. Nothing seems to be going right and you feel like a failure.

I know the feeling. In fact, I find myself feeling that way often these days. But honestly, if you want to be better, there are a few things you need to learn and do.

Understand that it’s completely normal to find yourself at the bottom of the dumpster from time to time. We’ve all been there and it stinks.

Once you’ve understood that, pick yourself up, no matter how much weight is on you, dig deep and stand up. You’ll never get out that dumpster if you don’t. It’s easier said than done but if I can do it, you can. Nobody is coming to your rescue except maybe the trash collector to take you to the landfill.

After you’ve climbed out of that dumpster, guess what? You’re still going to stink. That’s normal. But now you’re just a little closer to feeling and being better.

Next, you need to get out of your head. Stop looking inward and start looking outward. Compliment a stranger. Open the door for someone. Surprise a loved one with a gift or visit. Take a walk and wave to that neighbor that drives you crazy. Focus on anything but yourself right now- after you’ve showered of course.

After you’ve done those things, you WILL start feeling better. It may not change your specific situation, but it will change your mindset. You will be amazed at what spreading kindness to others will do for YOU. It will give your mind a break from wallowing and will allow you to see the big picture.

As humans, we go through a multitude of thoughts and emotions every single day. We are not slaves to those emotions, or even those thoughts. The only person that can make your life better is you. When you see it that way, it’s almost a relief to know you alone have the power to improve your life and mindset.

Positive thinking and outward kindness obviously won’t put a million dollars in your bank overnight or put you in that new BMW you’ve been eyeing, but it absolutely will improve your life. I’ll even go as far as to say if you invest in yourself enough, you really might find yourself collecting the material things you want in life.

The truth is, we determine how we spend this life- we can spend it in the dumpster or we can spend it in the sun, enjoying each moment. Yes, life is hard and can throw some serious curveballs, but when that ball knocks you down or breaks your nose, you don’t have to stay on the ground bleeding. Get up and heal. Live your life and live it outward.