Was it the Midol or the group therapy session?

So, I came to work today in THE most rotten mood.  I knew it was there when I dragged my bones out of bed this morning.  By the time I got to work, the damp air had me looking like...

(BELIEVE ME, it's possible!!)  At that point, I figured I was pretty much ruined for the day.  However, knowing that I can't remain in that funk because others rely on me to have therapeutic interactions with them...I had to be persistent in trying to make myself feel better or at least fake it for a while.  I'd much rather be genuine though. 

So, around 12:30, it occurred to me that one of my problems is PMS...which was actually a relief.  It is really helpful to think about all the possible reasons you could be quickly turning into a monster so you know what interventions to use.  I popped a Midol and got ready for my therapy group, which I decided would be on the timely subject of gratitude.  I had them write about 5 things they are grateful for and what feeds their spirit.  Then they each made an artistic gift for their neighbor in the group.  (I credit Gabrielle Bernstein for this idea.) By the end of the group, we were all feeling really upbeat and gratified.  I succeeded in changing my own mood by allowing myself to be inspired by the positivity oozing outta my clients and by responding to these prompts myself.  

That was it--my day changed--just like that!  Was it the Midol or this group?  Maybe it was a combination of both.  I like to think that it was mostly the change in focus and attitude that the group afforded me...and that I afforded myself!  I have to remember this for the next time I am in a poopy mood...you know--like tomorrow.

I'd like to end this post responding to the questions I asked of my group:

What are 5 things you are grateful for?

* My mental, physical, and spiritual health

* My family's relative good health

* My amazing friends

* My job (it pays me AND I have a great time there)

* My home and ability to live independently

What feeds your spirit?

* My daily inspirational reading

* Goofing off with my friends

* yoga 

In what ways did you give of yourself today?

* I helped facilitate others' creative processes

* I gave one of my dear friends a big hug

* I remained very present when someone was talking with me.

How would YOU answer these???  JOURNAL IT! Find out for yourself just how mood-altering gratitude and giving can be!

and go to www.yogatoday.com for an excellent "Attitude of Gratitude" yoga practice!  That's what I did!  BELIEVE ME--it is awesome!

NAMASTE!

Brooke