Imagine you’re driving down a dirt road. It’s bumpy and there are lots of dips, then a random pothole and there are tons of little rocks hitting the belly of your car. Then a bird craps on your windshield! You try the wipers but alas they’re out of water. Now, not only are you driving while squinting through a smeared turd, it’s getting worse because now it’s collecting dirt. Imagine it! Tough to steer, right? And it’s tough to see through such grossness. This is one way to think of your state when you’re viewing the world from an emotionally compromised place.
When you’re stressed out, tired, anxious, haven’t eaten enough, “hormonal,” or even when you’re just feeling depressed: you’re looking at life through a dirty windshield. You can’t steer properly, so pull over before you hit someone. The hard part of this windshield, of course, is that it’s inside your head and therefore you’re less likely to notice when it’s dirty.
The next time you’re feeling a little internally out of whack or chaotic, or you catch yourself about to cry or yell about something that doesn’t quite warrant it, check-in with yourself. Did I eat? Have I been under a lot of stress today? Is it my lady time? Asking yourself these questions usually lead you to a logical factor.
If you are any of those things kinds of things, take the necessary steps toward getting back to a “clean windshield.” Whether it’s eating a sandwich, jumping on the treadmill, going to happy hour with a friend to vent, or simply “not deciding to yell at your boyfriend until you’ve cooled down,” you will be much better able to deal with your situation the way You would really want to, as your rational, clear-headed self.
It’s tough when you’re in the moment but when you feel yourself just thinking or acting “off,” stop and think, “Do I have a dirty windshield?” Life gets a whole lot easier when you can see where you want to go.
Happy Sunday friends! And apologies for missing last week’s post. I was under the weather but I’m back again. xo Sarah
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I look forward to this column every week, and, like a few others, really needed this one. Especially today! So, thanks, Sarah!
Even though I have mostly beaten my depression (where my “windshield” was CAKED with dirt), the days when things get a little dirty again can really get me down and have me rethinking everything, even when it was perfect and wonderful yesterday. Thanks for reminding me to take a step back, breathe, and remember what I know to be true when my windshield is clean.
YAY! I mean not yay that you were “caked in dirt” but yay that this helped on the day you needed it to. I hear you on every level. Thanks for writing me Jennifer xoxoxoox
I love this! It’s not easy for me to hold grudges for long, so they’re usually over by the end of the day, but on those special “Red Alert” days, I’ll think of this. If I remember, since, you know, hormones and such.
LOL yes! I totally know. Thanks Camille. xoxoxo
Oh my God, Sarah, I know how many times I’ve said this, and how many times other people have said this on this column, but this was exactly what I needed now. I’m having “one of those days”, I got frustrated with something and now Everything Is Crap. I think I’ll go eat a sandwich!
Love x
LOL you’re hilarious. Thanks Amalia! Very happy you liked xox
Sarah, you’re so right! Sometimes, I’m upset and I don’t know why…and then I have to go back and check to see if I’ve done everything. Normally, it’s that I haven’t eaten, or haven’t gotten enough sleep. But, sometimes, even when you know that it’s one of those things, it’s still really hard. As always, sage words of wisdom, and glad you’re feeling better!
Thanks girl, and very true! I am glad u liked. xoxo