Life is made of ups and downs as well as some straight sections, none of which last. I’m coming to the end of a five year down, with many fluctuating ups and downs in the middle. I can tell you it hasn’t been easy. Most of what made up this time could be best described as struggle.
After a stretch of optimism, starting a company, writing a book, painting some nice series’s, buying a home, renting a live/work space, showing my work in Manhattan, Living on both coasts, traveling to Europe and Africa, grand babies being born, life was not perfect, but it was a daring fun adventure. When it all came crashing down, followed closely by a worldwide pandemic and almost 2 year lock down which dramatically affected my household. My husband and I work in peoples homes. We design and remodel and help people decorate both homes and office space . I also stage homes for sale. We couldn’t work from home, we mostly couldn’t work at all. Even 2 years afterward we haven’t caught up and now prices are soaring, our rent, raised twice, is nearly double. We work seven days a week and never even go out to eat anymore.
I tell about these two different life experiences because they are what I’m talking about. Nothing lasts forever. Life is constantly changing. This is one thing we can count on.
Some of life feels like we are on top of the world. Other times feel like we are on the bottom. Even in a day or week we can rise and fall with whatever is happening in and outside of our homes. In some places they will say if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change. If you can train yourself to wait, life is like the weather, always changing. Even in Southern California, where seasons aren’t a thing, we still have rainy years and dry years. Cloudy marine layer and sunshine. Hot dry Santa Anna’s and sticky wet humidity. Change happens. If we are ready to take it on, we are happier than if we fear it.
A regulated person is able to take ups and downs more smoothly. A person who knows and accepts the nature of change has confidence that they will be alright. They know they can regulate their state when necessary. Ride the highs and lows of life better because they are not at the mercy of feeling bad, they know they can change their state, even be content while still engaged in struggle.
I did this. I had many happy regulated times while struggling through Covid, rising costs and even losing my business. I have improved my ability to move out of dis regulation faster and that has given me confidence and a measure of peace.
I’m just pointing out the obvious. Life takes many turns. You may not know what is up ahead, but you do know yourself, if you know what gets you regulated, you know you can take steps toward regulation at any point. You have that power to use any time you want.
Another good reason to practice soothing regulating tactics when low times come along.
Peace Kit 