Scared of the Morning?

On this Monday morning, I felt this dread. It could be due to my first boy heading off with his classmates to Jeju Island. It could be that I want to have a warmer, kinder relationship with my second one. It could be because I want to find a way to make a long. lasting living with my future.

I found a four ways that eased my mind and move forward. And I hope these suggestions will be helpful.

1. Breathe.

It’s the essential thing of life. You could go weeks without food and days without water. But if you stop breathing for like 5 minutes, you are most likely not living.

One breathing technique I learned to calm down goes as follows:

1. Breathe in for 4 seconds.
2. Hold for 4 seconds.
3. Breathe out for 6 seconds.
4. Hold for 2 seconds.

Credit goes to Business Insider on this method to calm down. Check out their video for a greater explanation.

2. See Fear for What It Is

Fear can look menacing and ugly and downright scary. It is in those instances, I must see my fear clearly.

I mean, what I am really afraid of? The fear itself? Or the images I have created from my imagination? Look at the fear. Write it down in full detail. Look at it again and again. Is this what I am afraid of?

A lot of the times, I made a mountain out of a molehill. I did that when I moved the piano from one room to another with Da Missus. I did that when I replaced the shower faucet by myself. I did that when I went to get my Korean driver’s license.

When I made the decision to act after knowing more or less what must be done, it was completed in that day. Were these things the monsters that threatened me to take me in the darkness?

I laugh about them now. It wasn’t funny before and during. But those achievements are reminders that I can face the hard things in life and win.

3. Talk It Out.

I need a sounding board.

A lot of the times, I spoke with Da Missus about the things that worry me. Occasionally, I chatted with my Dad or brother via KakaoTalk.

Some of the advice was considerate and sound. Other times, I needed tough love and got it. They all took the time to listen or read my words before answering.

It’s not the answers I seek. It’s the chance to speak, think things out and find my way.

4. Pray.

This is the one I wish I did daily. I believe in communication with a greater power. In this case, it’s God. When I don’t pray, I miss out in having a conversation with someone that knows far more than I do and leading me the way.

When I was in times of trouble, I prayed and fasted. I read the Bible for wisdom. And I found answers that guided me into a better scenario. It didn’t come easy, but I felt a direction I should be heading to.

Prayer is similar to talking it out. As you speak, God is listening. While the words out of the lips, something takes shape. With each prayer, calmness abounds.

Conclusion

So things got better as I went to work. I didn’t get all the answers, but I know I can find my way.

It’s part of the journey of life. And it can be fun if you make it.