We can all get a little grumpy at times. Perhaps some people get grumpier than others. However, most things in our daily lives cause us to become grumpy; we won't even remember in twenty years. So why are we letting these things steal our joy today?
Life is too precious to be known as Mr or Mrs Grumpy Pants, so here are some tips to help avoid those grouchy moments that can so easily steal our joy, thankfulness and perspective:
1. Be alert to what makes you grouchy – I like a little quiet at the end of the day. Excessively loud music or too much loud talking or roughhousing by my boys annoys me. Watch out for your grouchy triggers, and avoid them or minimize their impact. Sometimes we need to remove ourselves from the room or situation and breathe and do something to relax.
2. Don't let other people's grouchiness affect you – We all need to be mindful of who we spend time with or watch and listen to. We will only add to the grouchiness if we respond to other people's negative moods.
3. Surround yourself with positivity – Don't get sucked into negative discussions or bad news on social media. Don't let others steal your joy or get bogged down in their stuff. Other grumpy people will always try to squash your joy and bliss. Refuse to let them.
Their problems are theirs, not yours. If people don't wish to deal with their issues, that's their decision and problem, not yours.
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Be around positive, happy people as much as possible. Choose not to read that depressing newsfeed on social media; ask yourself, "Do I need to hear another piece of bad news or negativity?"
4. Have a sense of humour – sometimes, we need not take ourselves and life seriously. Lighten up and look for the good in your day. Please have a good chuckle at the funniness of life, and decide to enjoy and not be annoyed by all the funny and unusual people in it.
5. Hug someone – My husband has a technique of hugging me for at least 20 seconds when I am grumpy or on edge. He says it takes at least that long for someone to relax and "receive a hug." Hug someone, or cuddle a pet and benefit from physical touch.
6. Talk to someone – sometimes, we need to feel listened to and share what we are going through or feeling. Communicate if something is upsetting you and, if necessary, sit down with your colleagues or family if it's at work, the kids or your partner who you feel isn't picking up on what is bothering you and strategize some action steps.
We can all benefit from sharing what's on our hearts and minds. It stops things going around and around in our minds in a jumbled mess, which usually leads to anxiety, stress and grumpiness. Make a regular time to have a cuppa and a good chat with someone you can trust
7. A merry heart is like medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Watch a funny movie or do something that makes you laugh. Laughter goes a long way to getting rid of the grumps.
8. Do some exercise – the positive endorphins and stress relief experienced when we exercise do create a natural "high" and mood lifter. So get your heart pumping.
9. Lastly, hang out with Jesus – "The grumps" are no match for Him. Praise Him for who He is and how much He loves you.
Praise silences grumpiness, and the king of the grumps the devil and gives us a heavenly and eternal perspective. Sing, speak God's promises (hundreds of them), and let go of your worries and bad mood. God promises He will then fill you with bliss and unspeakable joy.
Today give all your cares, worries, and grouches to Him, and receive His love and joy afresh for you.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" (1 Peter 1:8)
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17)
Prayer: Lord, please help me be aware of what makes me grumpy and do something about it. I give all my grumps to you and ask you to fill me with your peace and joy today in Jesus' name Amen.
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