Monday, July 23, 2012

Play Time is Over

Back to the Same Old Routine

The Aftermath of a Great Weekend


I have been MIA recently because I was in DC for the weekend and then my friend was here in Philadelphia visiting me so I apologize for the lack of posting. But, it has been on my mind! I had a fabulous time seeing many friends that I haven't seen in a long time but the aftermath of events that you have been awaiting or are exciting can leave you feeling very down or lonely once they are over. I am currently in this post play time state. Back to the old routine of class, work, studying, and more alone time than I would like. The question is how do we get through this period of time without getting down? I have struggled with this feeling for a long time. I used to think that feeling low meant that I was too dependent on others or that I couldn't be happy if I was around certain people and these thoughts made me nervous! How could I live my life as an indepent adult if I was codependent? Well, I found a couple quotes that helped me realize that my feelings were normal. Just because I was bummed or disappointed didn't mean something bad or that I was an unstable person. It is natural to feel upset when you need to leave a friend or an event you've been excited for is over. The first quote I am referencing is from one of my favorites, Winnie-The-Pooh-

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. 

- A. A. Milne,
Winnie-The-Pooh

One of my best friends, Molly. I miss her!
Although separating from friends, especially if you are not sure when you'll be together again, is always difficult it is nice to be able to look at in this way. We are lucky to have someone or something that we enjoy so much. It's special to have people in your life that make you feel love and appreciated. It is these people that are the hardest to say goodbye to. But the harder it is to say goodbye the stronger you know the relationship is. Nothing is more valuable than a good friend- a friend that when you must separate you cry, a friend that loves you as much as you love them, a friend who genuinely wants the best for you and you want the same for them in return. While saying goodbye is painful these special and rare friends are blessings and instead of mourning over the departure I suppose it is more beneficial to look forward to the next meeting even if you don't know when it will be! The next quote is more relevant to the normalcy of feeling down after an exciting event is over.



“It's only natural to feel lonely after the enjoyable moments pass. But as you experience new joys those feelings of sorrow will start to fade.”

- Mizu Sahara

I recently blew off class to go to Six Flags with a friend!
I love this quote because not only does it legitimize my feelings of sadness after a fun experience but it assures me that more great experiences will occur and my sadness is only temporary. Sure enough the end of one moment marks the start of another and this new moment or upcoming moments can be just as enjoyable as ones in the past. No, no moment will ever be exactly the same but it doesn't mean it can't be great in its own way. As I reflect upon my past weekend I can appreciate the great fun I had and the amazing time I had with my friends. Although the moments are over I know I can create more great and exciting moments in the future. There is always something else to look forward to. We can be proactive and create this moments for ourselves- plan a trip, make a date with a friend, schedule a fun activity with your family. We can make the most of our lives by planning fun things and activities that we can look forward to! We are completely permitted to feel upset when a great moment has passed but we must remember that the feelings will pass and that we have the ability to create more enjoyable experiences for ourselves!

Be proactive and get excited about life,
xo
Don't let this be you- make it happen!



2 comments:

  1. You are so right. I do need to make a plan. Sometimes it seems like I get too busy. Thanks.

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  2. I completely relate to this. Sometimes I feel like I can be on a a "high" so to speak and just have a great time with friends...and then once I find myself all alone and back to the daily tasks of life I become so lonely....The good news is spending time with others often does make us feel less alone so that is super important to remember when we are having a hard time initiating plans.

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