When bad days come, take the plunge

“It’s going to be one of those days.”

How many times have we said that? 

Case in point. Wednesday got to work. Sat down to write my column. With no thoughts of what it might be, went to open up a website that has a host of illustrations. Used to use it for sermon prep back in the day. Now turn to it to maybe inspire what I’ll write about here. 

Wouldn’t let me log on. Wouldn’t accept my password. Go to “forgot password.” It sends me a link in my email to change my password. I do. It still doesn’t let me log on. Go through the same steps three times, then give up. (Did I mention this is the third time in two weeks I’ve played this round-and-round on this particular website? I would cancel my subscription but: see won’t let me log on.)

Prior to that I go to make a cup of coffee. K-cup machine won’t come on. Go to the bathroom. My toilet won’t flush. In fact, panic sets in as it runs over the edge a little.

A coworker shows up. Her car’s in the shop. Her bank card’s been hacked. One of the lights in her home wouldn’t come on leaving her in the dark. She didn’t say it, but her facial expression did: “It’s going to be one of those days.” 

We all have them, for sure. (In fact, it’s been part of our Western culture for decades.) The internet is full of ways to deal with them. From a number of sources:

• Recognize the situation. Acknowledge it’s just a day and that things will improve.
• Practice mindfulness. Take some time to breathe deeply and connect with what’s going on with your body, in particular your mind.
• Seek support. Talk to friends or family about what’s going on.
• Focus on the positive. Identify areas where you can make a positive impact and take action on that/them.
• Reframe your thoughts. Look for opportunities in the situation and focus on what you can control.
• Get some exercise. It releases endorphins which naturally elevate your mood and the effects last for hours. If you do it outside (yes, I know it’s cold) you get the health benefits of sunshine. The all-important Vitamin D for one.
• Ask yourself: Is it the day that is a problem, or is it me? 
• Release your pent-up emotions. 

The last two are from “Little Buddha’s” website. To be honest. I’m not sure if they’ll help me cope with a bad day as much as they’ll leave my self-esteem poured out all over the floor (because undoubtedly I’m going to conclude it’s “me”) or leave me physically jumping up and down on my desk screaming.

The internet also offers a number of “wisdom” sayings from throughout the ages to deal with “one of those days.” 

• “Storms make trees take deeper roots” … 
• “The more humble a person is, the freer and stronger he is” (okay, whatever that means) … 
• “Hard times lift the seeking souls to higher realms” … 

You can do a search for more, but for me, and I suspect a good number of you, the best answer(s) come from scripture.

• “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
• “And we know that in all thing God works for the good of those who love him.” – Romans 8:28
• “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
• “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4

There. That’s better. I’m feeling the effects, their power, already. Uplifted. Renewed. I don’t need an illustration so forget about that website. I don’t need coffee when water will do, and I don’t need a bathroom when … wait … where’s that plunger…