Bad days happen to the best of us. Something doesn’t go our way or we hear something we don’t necessarily like- we instantly throw a pity party and let it effect our mood for hours, days, maybe even a week. Some minute detail sneaks in and suddenly a snowball effect takes place. Every aspect of our day has been ruined. The motivation you have to go to class drops, the usual energy you have disappears, the kind and engaging way you communicate with others changes to short answers and annoyed attitudes. We’re completely grumpy and, if you’re anything like me, it’s written all over our faces and people can easily read our “subtle” moods- regardless of every effort to hide it.

But trust me, I get it. It’s really hard to act happy or excited about life when something is really bothering you or has upset you! But let me tell you something I’ve learned about perspective.

Now, don’t get me wrong. This is something I struggle with. I throw myself a major pity party every time something doesn’t go my way. But recently, I’ve learned that’s not the best way to go about it.

Yes, life is tough and sometimes we can’t help being grumpy, but it’s crucial to not stay in that slump. There are so many other things happening and it’s harmful to let minor setbacks block our big picture. Life is so good and we are so blessed. We need to have a big picture mindset. If it’s not going to matter in 5 years, why even spend 5 minutes worrying about it? We stress ourselves out to the breaking point and then problems continue to build and build. Surround yourself with people who encourage you on days when you’re down and out. Let people lift you up rather than just being content sitting at what seems to be, at that time, rock bottom.

When we step back and realize that there are is a far greater number of positive things in life, that one negative thing that happened four days ago and is still effecting your mood seems embarrassingly insignificant. Think long-term, show yourself grace when your grumpy, but then get back up and smile.

"Life is a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about." -Marilyn Monroe