Embracing Sadness

"Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast."

                                      Oscar Wilde, An Ideal Husband, 1893, Act I

                                      Irish dramatist, novelist, & poet (1854 - 1900) 

I haven't been feeling very good for the past two weeks. A cloud of melancholy descended and I had no umbrella. Sure there might have been causes; stress, self-doubt, some stubborn egg whites that just wouldn't cooperate. But no matter the cause, the sadness I've felt is not something I run from anymore. I've learned to embrace it and not beat myself up because I'm having a bad week. 

If I walked out of the house every morning feeling amazingly perky, it would probably signal that I didn't lead a very interesting life. Taking chances, making mistakes, and dealing with things that are outside of your control are all parts of life. Sadness is a part of that too as it sometimes rears it's ugly head as a by-product. But I can learn from an emotion like sadness because it forces me to pause. It forces me to learn if I have the courage to feel it. 

A few well-timed distractions can help you get through a bad week. Here are some of my favorites from last week.

Looking at pictures from our recent beach vacation. 

Going through my closet and finding some pieces I haven't worn in a while. There is nothing like a new outfit to put a little spring in your step. This is a bracelet from Banana Republic that is obviously worn (from love and wear) but still packs a punch and adds an unexpected touch to an outfit. 

Chowing down on some homemade chocolate chip cookies from my neighbor Kristin. 

More beach pics of my nephew Jack. The kid is adorable!

Playing with Miss Austen. You can't see her very well in this picture but I love the way the late afternoon light illuminates our living room. 

What are some things that help you when you're having a bad week?