Saying No to the Cloud

​What is the cloud? “The cloud” is anything that interrupts life, anything that keeps you from wanting to do the things that you must do in order to thrive, including the things that you enjoy doing.  “The cloud” threatens your quality of life. For you it could be naysayers, negative people in your circle, or your own negative self-talk.  In my case, I deal with the dual burden of anxiety and depression.  I have dealt with this for many years, but a name wasn’t given to my struggle until I was diagnosed with chronic depression in 2006. 
I had no idea of the number of people who also live with these conditions until I became transparent and began to talk it.  Most days are fine. On my worst days, it feels like a battle just to get out of bed—as if I’m being held down by a boulder.  It takes so much resolve and an iron will to thrive in spite of the pitfalls of anxiety and depression.  Maybe your cloud is the same is mine, maybe not, but here are five ways to say no to any cloud and claim your charmed life! 

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1. Put a name to your cloud. You can’t plan your defense without knowing exactly what you’re working against. Take inventory and identify those things or people that put a damper on your spirits and keep your from living your best life.
2. Get rid of the cloud, ASAP.  In the case of negative people, thoughts, and atmospheres take the steps necessary to remove these things from your inner circle. It’s not always easy, but when your quality of life is threatened, removing those roadblocks to optimal well-being is necessary. As in the case of chronic conditions such as depression, it is not always possible to completely eliminate the cloud. However, there are steps that can be taken to gain control of your life.
3. Prepare in advance. For those situations that cannot be permanently removed from your life, get your defenses up so that you remain in control.  Wake up a few minutes earlier for meditation or to reflect on positive thoughts. At the beginning or end of the day, make a list of things or moments that make/made your smile.  It seems simple enough but reflecting on positive thoughts can make a world of difference.  Imagine how much better you’ll be prepared when facing that ‘negative nelly’ coworker who’s in the cubicle next to yours or the family member who always makes it a point to put a damper on your goals. 
4. Recognize that you are not the problem. Do not internalize your cloud or define yourself as a bad person. This will only leave you feeling hopeless and defeated.  I had to evolve to the point of not characterizing myself based on my circumstances.  I now acknowledge that I have to be resolved to live my life despite those thoughts and feelings that threaten the opportunities placed before me.  It’s not always a simple task, but I have to push forward despite the cloud. I do have to say that I become stronger with each battle that I win against anxiety and depression.  You will find that, over time and with the strengthening of your resolve, you will become more in control of your own cloud.
5. Prayer changes things.  It may sound cliché, but I know it to be true. God placed you and me in our respective places with a purpose. I am certain that neither my purpose nor yours is rooted in misery. Make it a point to build a close relationship with your Creator so that His voice becomes very clear to you. There is no greater defense against those things that would otherwise keep you from claiming your destiny.  

​I hope that this post helps you in your effort to push forward and live a happy, healthy, and prosperous life. Never allow negativity or any other hindrance to stop you! Let’s claim our charmed lives. Comment below and let us know how you thrive despite the clouds of life.