The other day I found myself spiraling down about an issue that was a disappointment for my daughter and I was grasping for ways to help her feel better. As mama bear, I tried to offer suggestions that fell flat. She was wallowing. So, my next move was to come up with something that she would smile about.
When down, disappointed, upset or negative, sometimes it is hard to hear alternatives or solutions. In fact, often the best move by a helpful listener is to give a shot of joy. If you can make someone smile, it changes the mood and distracts from the negative emotions. Even if it's just for 30 seconds of getting a smile, the person's mood shift will bring better perspective to the situation.
Loved this quote from Esther Hicks and Abraham, "The standard of success in life isn't the things. It isn't the money or the stuff. It is absolutely the amount of joy that you feel." *
Try This: Give a Shot of Joy
It is helpful to have a "go to" when you or someone you know is feeling down, disappointed, or even angry. Turning the frown upside down is the challenge and here are a few ideas:
- Ask a question about what a better outcome or situation would be
- Compliment the way the person took a chance
- Mention how you would love to have told the other person off about the situation to support her/him
- Remind her/him about a time when she/he was really successful or had done something hard and to talk to you about how good that felt
Once you can get yourself or another person thinking a joyful thought, the faster you can get them smiling which helps to dispel the negativity. Trust me, joy works to help anyone cope!
* Excerpted from Lincroft, NJ on 10/15/96, Daily Quote e-newsletter –from January 16, 2023.