Cranky!

Okay, so recently someone posted and said they felt they were more cranky and I replied I empathize with them because I could relate. I stated it helped me decide to make some life changes.(getting a new job soon) All right, okay, I plan on making some extreme changes next month, but until then I am stuck where I am at. (because of insurance reasons) I hate the person I am right now. I feel cranky all the time when I am at work, I've suddenly become impatient, and on edge. I seem to have a frown stuck on my face and regardless how many mantra's I say to myself I can't seem to turn it around. It's frustrating! I have an extremly stressful job working with teen boys between the ages of 12-18 living in a residential chemical substance abuse program. I have worked there for 6 1/2years and I never have really had problems before. I trully think it has to do with not getting enough calories. I just feel fried when I am there, like I just can't handle it anymore. How about you Mayers? Have any advice? --Sabrina

It sounds to me like you don't have your food buffer there anymore, so you're really feeling your true feelings. I've noticed this on a few occasions with myself as well. Is there a way that you could take a couple of personal days just to chill out for a bit? You've just gone through a major life and lifestyle change and will be doing so again soon with the new job. I think it warrants a few personal days! Until then ((((Sabrina)))) Michelle

Sabrina! You are so allowed to have cranky days and I totally agree with Michelle when she talks about not having food as a buffer anymore. ugh! Whats a girl (or guy) to do? Its such a huge adjustment....... Im sorry you are going through such a hard time right now. This too shall pass........we all promise! Hang in there.......you are being prayed for and happy thoughts coming your way. Carrie

Hi Sabrina, I'm the one who posted the cranky and mean post. I have moved into a new stage, I'm not cranky now I'm sad. I have lost my job and am feeling the pain of lost income. My kids are growing up too fast, and I just am not the happy, resilient camper I usually am. I don't know if it is the harmones from losing all the weight or change in life style but my usual happy go lucky it will all work out attitude seems to be lost. I am hoping this is just a stage that goes with the surgery and not my new personality. (That would really be a bummer). Take care, Jane

Hi Jane- I just noticed you are in Moorpark. I'm in Ventura. Where did you have your surgery? Do you go to a support group? I'm sorry you are having a rough time- hopefully it will pass. You are describing how I felt right before surgery.

Hi Sabrina. First of all- you have got to have one of the most stressful jobs out there! Teenage boys? With issues? You are a saint! Cut yourself some slack- do you have some vacation time you can take? It sounds like you need a mental holiday. You just went through major surgery, which is harder on our head than it is on our body. Maybe you need a break! Good luck to you- and vent here whenever you need to.

Okay, this is going to sound really hokey and totally corporate-cliche, but I swear, it's what helps me... DECIDE to have a better day... I remember some corporate-behavior-kumbaya-type book I had to read a few years ago for some initiative or another, and it was typical of all the others. The one thing I did get out of it was, if YOU are truly in control of YOUR life, YOU should be able to DECIDE what kind of day you're going to have. It's hard to train yourself to do it, but once you get in the habit, it really does get better... I swear...I'm laughing right now as I write this because I know how hokey it sounds.. When I'm on my way to work, and start stressing about things that I know are going to take place (bad meetings, confrontations, etc.) I literally stop myself and say, "Yeah, but, I'm still going to have a good day." Of course, easier said then done, you're working with a bunch of teenage boys with dependance problems... Course, sometimes, I feel like that's who I'm working with some days, too...

Giggling!!!!!..... Yeah I have read several similiar books and try to teach this as a life skill to them. I start my day off this way and it stays till after the 20th time of being called a slew of inapproriate degrading names by the boys, or having 15 boys just do what they want regardless of the consquences of their actions. Patience and good attitudes last only so long. My day is one hundred present better once I leave work. I am able to put it behind me. ..Sabrina