Storm-Proofing Your Mind: Laugh, Pray, Breathe, Repeat

Negative feelings are like uninvited guests at a party—they show up unannounced, refuse to leave, and sometimes even eat all the cake. But instead of letting them ruin the fun, why not learn to dance with them?

A friend once told me, “After every night, there is a day, and after every tear, there is a smile.” This simple yet powerful thought stays with me whenever life throws a curveball. It reminds me that no matter how bad things seem, this too shall pass. Just like the sun rises without fail, brighter days always follow the dark ones.

I also came across Sundar Pichai’s Cockroach Theory, a must-read that changed my perspective. It made me realize that in tough situations, we should respond instead of reacting. Reacting is impulsive, emotional, and often regretful. But responding? That’s thoughtful, composed, and wise. So, when negativity strikes, I take a deep breath, pause, and let my brain work before I act. After all, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response.”

First, I try to flip the perspective. Every challenge hides a lesson, every setback carries a secret message. As Winston Churchill wisely said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” I choose to be the optimist (most of the time).

Then comes my secret weapon—prayer. Talking to God is like venting to a friend who never interrupts. His words remind me that no storm lasts forever. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Speaking of friends, my besties are my walking, talking therapy sessions. A single conversation with them can turn my ‘bad mood’ into ‘bad jokes.’ They remind me that I am not alone, and sometimes, that’s all I need.

And if nothing works? I laugh at my misery. After all, isn’t life just a series of unfortunate events tied together with good humor?

So the next time negativity knocks, put on your dancing shoes, twirl around the worries, and remember: Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Thought to Ponder: What if the problem isn’t the problem, but how we see the problem?