Don't let self-pity destroy your life

Considering what's been happening in the U.S. the past few years, it's pretty easy to fall into a pattern of self-pit, bitterness, grudges, and even hatred.

It could be directed at the government, at the bank that forced you out of your home, at the corporation that kicked you out of a job you believed was secure, or at any individuals who played a part.

Even if you haven't had any financial disasters, you could be feeling a great deal of resentment because people you care for have been harmed by this economic chaos.

The truth is, those feelings won't help a thing - but they will harm you. 

So instead of letting them fester, take action and take back your own joy in living. 

Start by investing in a bottle of Dr. Bach's Willow flower essence, and take it regularly. That will help you re-

balance your energies and have the desire to go back to living a joyful life. 

Then take stock of all the good things in your life. List the people and animals who love you. List your capabilities (that no one can take from you). List the small courtesies that have been paid to you by perfect strangers. List the possessions you enjoy having and using. In short - look around with gratitude. 

It's a truism that the more you thankful you are, the more you'll have to be thankful about. 

A second benefit is that once you get back on track to living a happier life, solutions will come to you. You'll be able to see things you could do to improve the situation, whereas you couldn't see them at all when you were under the spell of self-pity. 

Will You Become an Empty Nester This Year?

Life is filled with changes, some small and some huge. Likewise, some changes are welcomed while others definitely are not.

Many families are facing a major change this year as the children who just finished high school leave the nest to go to college. As a parent, you're pleased and excited for them, but...  the change in your life will be substantial. That's especially true if it's the last child.

You'll now officially become an "empty nester."

If you're having trouble adjusting to that change, try Dr. Bach's flower essence, Walnut. 

Walnut helps realign your energies so you can adjust to any kind of change in life - and still function in all your other roles.

Next, try getting involved beyond your home. Take those hours you used to spend with your child - or taking care of tasks related to your child - and turn them into volunteer hours for a cause you care about. You could also get more actively involved with a hobby - perhaps one you gave up when you became a parent.

Whatever you do, don't sit home and dwell on missing your child. Fill those hours with activity that will make you feel good - even if you don't feel much like doing it the first day. 

Is Jealousy Blocking Your Success?

Do you go to work and feel jealous or resentful of others in the workplace who seem to be "getting all the breaks?"

If so, it undoubtedly shows in your attitude, and is keeping you from advancement - and from getting those breaks yourself.

You may be perfectly justified in your feelings. It could be true that the boss has a "pet" who gets all the sales leads, or the easy assignments, or the praise. It could also be true that the person fueling your jealousy is actually working longer and harder in order to advance.

But either way, by allowing your feelings of jealousy or resentment to color your days, you're hurting yourself, in ways both personal and professional.

Most of us try to leave the "bad stuff" from work behind when we go home to enjoy our loved ones. But it isn't easy, and if the feelings are strong enough, it isn't even possible.

So there are two solutions:
1. Change jobs - which might not be so easy in this uncertain economic climate.
2. Change your own attitude - which really is easier than you think, if you're caught up in bad feelings right now.

Changing your attitude means looking at the situation from some different angle, and consciously looking for the good instead of the bad. Not easy, but Bach Flower Essences can help.

The Bach Flower Essence Holly will help you banish feelings of hate and jealousy, while Willow will relieve resentment. If your feelings have been building for so long that you know you're just a bit irrational about the situation, add Cherry Plum to your formula.

Go to the Bach Flower Reference Guide and read about these 3 Bach Flower Remedies. Then visit Feel Bach to order a personal formula that will help you rebalance your energies and allow you to find ways to enjoy that job.

You may have other issues - if so, use the questionnaire and let the experts at Feel Bach create your formula.

Life is meant to be joyful - so bring yourself back to that feeling by getting rid of the emotions and feelings that prevent your joy.