When a downward spiral hits

I've been reflecting on my blog entry from yesterday and the experience of the whole day. When I described it to a family member, I realized that what I had learned was valuable to pass on. Here's how it went.

In the morning, I spent some quiet time alone, planned my "to do" list over a cup of coffee, and then started checking emails and reading about what some of my peers were accomplishing. For some reason, I began to get down on myself - what I wasn't achieving and the slow speed I thought I was moving toward my goals. But that was only the beginning. From there, it was a downward spiral.

Have you ever been there?

It's one of those feelings where you just want to be left alone to wallow and yet you want to do something about it because you hate how you feel and you know it's not going to get you anywhere too fast. But what to do?

What I learned yesterday is that sometimes it's good to just stop. Cancel any appointments you can. Close the computer. Put away the papers and plans. Unplug the phone.

And then what?

Then nothing. Or something you wouldn't normally do in the middle of a work day - Play golf. Walk on the beach. Read a no-mind novel. Close the blinds and put in a DVD or video (yesterday's blog tells you what I did).

Let me know what you've done in a similar situation. And if you've never tried it - all you have to do is give yourself permission.

By the way, today I feel great.