The Melt Down

Ok, I’ll have to admit it,  my mental condition declines every February. With a polar vortex too, things don't go well. I suppose as a southern gal I need sunshine… and lots of it. The gray days of a south Louisiana winter are just, many times, far more than I can handle. 
 
Last Monday I had reached my breaking point. Right in the middle of class I completely lost it and had to run out to gather myself. I know, not a pretty sight. Even more embarrassing is that my life’s work is helping others to overcome barriers in their life! How could I have succumbed once again to the demons within and how was I to climb out of this hole, again? What happened next was a story worth telling.
 
When I arrived back in class a random person came in offering a free book (over $300 in value) to someone who had not yet purchased their book for the class. In over two years I had never seen this happen. Right away I raised my hand. Wow! 
 
Here’s the rub, life isn’t all fairy tales and roses. Sometimes it’s just much harder than you know what to do to change things. That day it was only noon and I had already had a number of bad…. overwhelming….how in the world…..what the… moments. It seemed like the bad news dump truck of life was, not only backed up and piled on, but the driver had jumped in the back and started scraping out even the crumps. 
 
And here’s what I learned. Again…..
 
1.  Don't quit. No matter how bad or confused or overwhelming life can be. Never quit. Quitting is real losing. As long as you are moving forward, even it is yet another wrong move, learn and move forward again. Never stop until you see the success. This little dip has been followed by enormous gain! I haven’t overcome every obstacle-yet- but the huge gains I’ve received in the journey have been overwhelming! 
 
2. Reset. Stop a moment and think about where you are. Remember you ARE CAPABLE of finding a solution you just haven’t thought of it ye.
 
3. Connect. Be real about your situation. I had talked to several people that day both before and after the melt down. “Hey look, I’m having a bad day”, is not a sign of weakness. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable releases others to give you support in ways you couldn’t imagine. Get a coach or mentor that can help you think beyond yourself. Sometimes old patterns of thinking will keep you in those same old results.
 
4. Create synergy. The back story to the person giving the $300 gift was that I was in a Starbucks one day and I saw someone reading what appeared to be law books and I introduced myself. I was in a town outside of my norm so it was refreshing to see something familiar. He went to my school and we chatted a moment. I saw him very rarely at school. When I did, we exchanged knowing smiles as we would hustle to our class, but not much else, as our schedules were very different. I’m not even sure if he knew who I was when he gave me the book but back in that coffee house, my reaching out had created synergy. An energy and comradery that gave back.
 
5. Go for it. Good things come to those who go for it. Let’s take the book example.  When he came and made the announcement I had two choices, (1) I could have easily just sat there and waited to see if I he would just pick me out of the crowd, or (2) I could take advantage of a good thing and put myself out there. Now you may think, “why would she just sit there when the book was there for the asking?” Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? But how many times in life do you have a really great opportunity to expand your business or join an event to help you grow and you don’t take it? You put it off, you wait too long… then… it’s gone? 
 
6. Be thankful.  Since that melt down, I’ve made additional connections, sought advisors, and moved forward at a speed I never imagined possible. Thank life for those little dips that force you to stretch and grow.
 
“Success happens daily not in a day.” John C. Maxwell

Speaking of stretching and growing, all three Live 2 Lead events are filling fast! If you have not gotten your ticket, do so today. You will not be sorry you did!
 
See you there!
 
Activate your awesome and live the life you are meant to live.Be well,
Angela Decoteau (Deck-uh-toe)
Success Strategist, Awesome Activator

Live2Lead Ascension

Live2Lead Donaldsonville

Live2Lead SULC