we all have our buttons. situations that frustrate. patterns that we fall into. words that trigger a kitchen sink of emotions, rants and even f-bombs.

sometimes it feel good to vent. let it all out. and hopefully reach catharsis.

but how often does that really happen? that you actually achieve resolution. a solution to your issues.

more often than not, you end up feeling worse. you wallow in it. perhaps feel paralyzed by the inability to change it.

if you read my blog, you know i’m no stranger to navel-gazing: pondering, questioning, trying to sort through this crazy thing called life. there’s a lot of things you can do to try to cope, to make things better: shift your perspective. come up with a plan. don’t overlook the small blessings, the simple things, that you do have…

but here’s a little strategy to deal with those nasty, unsavory situations in life over which you simply have no control.

1. let it rip. there’s nothing i hate more than denial. allow yourself to bitch. moan. rage. complain. commiserate. misery loves company, so throw a big pity party if you need to.

2. hit reset. just when the frenzy is about to reach a climax, try something new. interrupt the pattern. don’t let it overtake you. let it go. not sure how? here’s a little inspiration courtesy of cher in “moonstruck”:

we can analyze. and overanalyze. and beat the dead horse to the point where we're stuck. and it's that point where a little nudge, or hec, even a firm hard slap, can set you on a different course.

3. we're in the this drama together, so don't forget to laugh. sometimes our problems can seem overwhelming. we can fall victim to the drama. or we create it. either way, the absurdity can make you feel like you’re going to crack. then something happens to make you realize your feelings are valid, your frustrations are real, and most importantly, you’re not alone.

the moral of the story: when the chips are down, sometimes it just takes good friends and a swift slap to get you back on track. giddy up! :)