Crankypants

In the name of keepin' it real, I'll go ahead and admit, I am having one of those days. The "wrong side of the bed" type of day. I'm edgy. Tricia appropriately called me "Crankypants." It's not that anything bad has happened...I've just been letting every little thing get under my skin.

Right now I'm hunkering down in the cubicle and not coming out until I have something nice to say. Should I post a "BEWARE of Crankypants" sign to keep innocent coworkers at bay?

This got me thinking...when I'm a counselor, I won't have the option of hiding out or tuning out. I can't tell a client "I've had a rough morning so excuse me if my angry eyes burn a hole through your forehead while you talk." What am I going to do when I'd rather be pouting but instead I have to instantly morph into "attending" mode? I have heard that listening to other peoples' problems actually takes your mind off of your own, and I'm sure hearing "big" problems will make a spilled-milk-type-of-day seem like a party.

For now I will try some of the relaxation techniques I've learned in class.  I'll try to put it all into perspective, examine any irrational thoughts, and try to take the tension down with some solitude (and maybe a scooter ride). And I'll try to remember how badly other people want to be heard and understood, and ask God to help me take the focus off myself.