What do you do when you’re upset? Angry? Sad? Depressed? For me, aside from yelling when angry or sulking when sad, I’ve learned that I am prone to wanting to stay in bed when feeling down. One of the most important things I have learned is intentionality. Luckily for me, the summer is my season to shine. Waking up to sun rays streaming through my window and having the evening hours with light still outside is a plus! However, during the fall and winter season when it’s darker earlier and the wind is brisk, I have found that being intentional with the way I end my day and the way I begin my day is vital.

It’s important for me to spend time speaking aloud all the things I am grateful for. I also like to take advantage of essential oils, specifically lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree. These aromas waft through the air and bring about an overall calming feeling.

Intentionality is essential.

Without it, it may be easier to get swayed by others’ energy and if someone’s energy is off and they are quick to snap and have an attitude it’s easier to respond in the same way. But, really, who has time for that? Allowing myself to be intentional with how I start and end my day allows me to have a protective shield around myself. It has been easier for me to stay calm and regulate my emotions in a mature manner. I refuse to let anyone leave an ugly stain of nastiness on me as I meander my way through this world.

My purposeful intentions makes me think of Zora Neal Hurston and her essay, “How It Feels to be Colored Me”. In this piece, Hurston argues she is wonderfully and beautifully made regardless of her color no how many blacks during this time period where treated with blatant bias. She states:

There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes…I do not belong to the sobbing school of Negrohood who hold that nature somehow has given them a low down dirty deal and whose feelings are all about it. Even in the helter-skelter skirmish that is my life, I have seen that the world is strong regardless of a little pigmentation more or less…I do not weep at the world-I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.

I remember reading this quote years ago and thinking, “YES! That’s it! I am going to be unapologetically me regardless!” I would be lying dear reader if I told you I never lost my way, but damn it I have found my way back! It feels good. Like Hurston, I too am “too busy sharpening my oyster knife” as I live this adventure we call life.

Dear reader, share with me how you handle the predictable unpredictability of life. I am looking forward to reading your responses. Blessings.