Get Rid of "Pygmy Thoughts"

Dear Marissa:

Lately nothing makes me happy. I hate my job, I haven't been enjoying going out, and my girlfriend is wonderful but even so, I'm still not happy right now in my relationship. I know it's not her, it's me. I am just in a funk, for no particular reason, and can't seem to get out of it. What do you suggest?

-Depressed

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Dear Depressed:

We all feel down at times. It's ok to feel this way, it's natural. What's not ok is to let yourself wallow in it. As I always like to say, this is your life and you are the master in control of it. Therefore, if there's something going on in your life that you don't like, change it. Of course this is much easier said than done, but in the end you are the only person in control of yourself and your moods. Like I said, it's ok to feel low. It happens to the best of us. In fact, if you are sad, let yourself feel it entirely. Doing this will pull those gloomy feelings up from the depths of your stomach, and then out and away from you. When this happens, let those bad feelings go. Move on. Allow yourself feel good again. Why keep yourself trapped in such misery when happiness is already in the palm of your hands? Shifting your attitude is not as difficult as it seems. In fact, it's a simple decision. Decide to think positive, rather than negative, thoughts. Dr. Alan Cohen ingeniously invented the term "pygmy thought." A pygmy thought is any negative thought you have that consequently leads to another negative thought, and another, and another. The next thing you know, your views of yourself and your world have shrunk and shriveled to be so small and seemingly insignificant, much the same as the formation of a pygmy. Thus the term, pygmy thoughts. Don't let yourself fall victim to such thinking. This is your life, your world. Get out there and enjoy it! And please remember, this too shall pass.

If you feel you are in need of professional help, never hesitate to contact a qualified doctor.

Cheers!
Marissa