How to Overcome the Biggest Obstacle to a Positive Mood
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Understanding the Impact of Mood
Over time, I've become increasingly aware that my mood plays a crucial role in shaping my day, far more than the actual events that unfold. When I'm feeling upbeat, I can enjoy the day, no matter what challenges arise. Conversely, if I'm feeling down, even positive occurrences won't lift my spirits.
I've noticed that when I'm in a positive state, I tend to avoid dwelling on negative thoughts. Instead, I'm fully present, allowing my mind to remain unburdened. However, during moments when I spiral into negativity, it’s often due to excessive thinking.
The Downward Spiral of Overthinking
I’ve realized that fixating on a thought can lead to a personal downturn. The more I dwell on an issue, the heavier it feels, almost like being pulled underwater by an anchor. When I overanalyze, I lose my sense of flow and become subject to the whims of my thoughts.
Imagining a buoyant feeling of floating on water, overthinking resembles being dragged down by an unseen weight. The deeper I dive into my thoughts, the further I sink, losing touch with the present and the joy of living.
Embracing Awareness Instead
Shifting from overthinking to a more fluid state of awareness has been transformative. This mindful approach allows me to maintain my mood, regardless of the day’s ups and downs.
For instance, just yesterday morning, I was in the process of registering with a Performance Rights Organization to collect royalties from my music. What should have been a simple task turned into a series of complications. Normally, this would have frustrated me, but instead, I simply acknowledged the situation and what needed to be done, then moved on.
Because I chose to avoid rumination, my mood remained positive and unburdened.
Letting Go of Expectations
Later that same day, my wife and I had prepared black beans for a chili recipe. When it came time to enjoy our meal, we discovered the beans were still hard. Faced with the prospect of a disappointing dinner, I could have easily succumbed to irritation. Instead, I focused on the task at hand—scooping out each bean to cook them separately.
Despite the unexpected challenge, I stayed calm and chose not to dwell on my frustration. After countless attempts to salvage the meal, we opted for frozen dumplings at 10 PM. I felt relaxed and in control, all because I let go of my thoughts. Creating a "No Rumination Zone" was incredibly rewarding.
The Importance of Staying Present
While these examples may seem trivial, it’s often the small issues that lead to greater distress when we ruminate over them. Ultimately, I've learned that our mood dictates our perception of the day, regardless of external circumstances.
To enjoy a fulfilling day, fostering a positive mood is essential. The key to maintaining a good mood lies in keeping our spirits high, and the most effective way to achieve this is by avoiding rumination. Being aware and engaged in the moment is sufficient; there’s no need to complicate things with overthinking.
In conclusion, enhancing our mood is not about forcing positivity; rather, it’s about releasing our thoughts and flowing with life's experiences.