How I Buffer My Moods.

Life can be very tough--even for an old woman like me.There are many responsibilities to fulfill,relationships to conserve,physical and mental health to maintain and the house to look after.Doing all this keeps me very busy and I often feel overburdened with work.In order to accomplish all this and yet remain sane,I think a nice mood is the first requisite.It is a magical tool as well as a staunch support.

As I look back down the years I realize that unconsciously I have developed certain habits and characteristics which help me to keep my cool.Let me share them with you.

First of all I want to admit that I am hyper by nature.I react strongly to anything which I think is not proper or fair--even if it has nothing to do with me.But at the same time I abhor unpleasantness and friction.Maybe this dichotomy enables me to maintain a balance.

I think the most important factor which helps me to remain in a good mood is, avoiding altercations.If the issue at hand is not significant --only a difference of opinion--I do not contradict the other person or push my own views down his/her throat.
If something important is at stake I will do what I can to mend the situation but I see scant sense in launching into a hot debate.
There are times when people don't behave nicely.If this happens once or twice it can be ignored but repeated offences are hard to tolerate.When this happens,I avoid rather than confront that person. 

Criticism can be very annoying.I take pride in being efficient and am generally averse to criticism.But even then,if I have erred I have no qualms about admitting my mistake.
In case of baseless criticism I give vague replies like O.K,maybe,if you say so, or perhaps.I see no point in reiterating that I was right and the other person was merely nit-picking.

It is not possible to get along with everybody we come across.Associating with rude,insensitive,intrusive,selfish and scheming persons disturbs me no end,therefore I steer clear of them.I am happier this way.
But yes,when it comes to close relationships it is not possible to do so.What I do is,refrain from accusations or retaliations and try my best to focus on that person's positive aspects.'Even a dead clock shows the right time twice a day.'

We all feel flustered when required to tackle a challenging task outside our comfort zones.This happens very often with me --living in this tech-crazy world that I do.I have seen that if I procrastinate then my mind is filled with a vague uneasiness hovering over me like an eagle above a prey.Therefore I don't spend hours wondering how I will tackle that job,how taxing it is going to be and whether I will be able to pull it off or not.I get started immediately so that the eagle flies away,I know where I stand and I am at peace again.Sometimes this practice enriches my self confidence and sometimes it is like--vroom,bang,down to earth :(

Very often--more often than I relish--the to-do list stretches from here to eternity,dampening my spirits.I undertake the essential items and shelve the rest for the next day.Of course the task which is essential and difficult,takes the first priority.I have yet to learn to ask for help.

One thing which really gets my goat is clutter.My surroundings have to be neat and well organised.Here again an oxymoronish tendency spoils the scene.I am a maniac for recycling,upcycling and hoarding odds and ends,so that there is very little which can be thrown out.This keeps my store room full up to the gills and me,busy like a bee.This is ingrained in me and cannot be ousted so I just make sure that the living space is neat and tidy--a place for everything and everything in it's place.

Unforeseen events,tragedies and traumas strike us out of the blue--life happens.But even at such junctures I try to push my emotions to the background and energize the grey matter.It enables me to keep the larger picture in view and get on with life.

When it comes to day-to-day hassles,glitches and disappointments-I consciously zero in upon the lighter side of the situation.There always is one.I am drawn to humor like iron to magnet.It has often protected me from sadness and depression.

Much though I like to be with family and friends,I must have solitude too.My precious me-time helps me to relax and rejuvenate.Reading,writing,music,sudoku and sewing give me pleasure.

When I am really tense I pick up a duster and zoom around my house dusting,cleaning and arranging.My worries fly out the window along with the dust.It is very therapeutic,believe me.

Well,I do all this to keep myself in good temper.I am sure there must be many more ways of safeguarding nice moods.Let me know yours.