I was just out running another frantic errand trying to solve someone else’s problem and got stuck at a red light behind a Toyota minivan with a creepy cartoon sticker in the window proclaiming Existence is Pain.

It sure the hell is, was my first thought. And I went into a five second pity party about the way life has been coming at me the last few weeks. Then I got pissed. Yes, life is painful, but that’s not all there is. Move on.

It’s been a doozy of a Mercury Retrograde, so I’m calling it out right here to nip it in the bud.  I’m not falling into victim mode and blaming the stars for my recent troubles – stressful miscommunication, DMV paperwork issues, broken tech – just for starters.  Rather, I’m writing to remind myself that these larger energies in play are real.  Given that my power lies in being sensitive to energy, I can’t drop the ball on being diligent as to how I’m impacted by the world, and Universe, around me. I have an obligation to myself and others to pay attention, and use what prevails in a positive, hopeful, or productive way. 

Usually I’m not bothered by Mercury retrograde, but I am affected by people close to me and if they happen to be experiencing the poster child version of a Mercury retrograde nightmare, well, then I kind of go down the tubes too. That is until I wake up and notice what’s actually theirs (emotions, energy, experience) is not mine.  And, I don’t help one bit by joining them in the story that everything is falling apart or going wrong.

Mercury, which is fact my ruling planet as a Gemini, is retrograde until March 10. But, I’m ready for things to turn more positively right NOW despite its trajectory.

Here’s what I’m going to do:  Slow down. Stop RE-acting.  Although it is the time for “re-” words, like review, revise, remember, redecorate, or reconsider, REACTING just digs me deeper into trouble. When things blow up, I’ll give it an hour, a day – then decide a course of action.  Reacting usually comes from a place of anger, fear or some other useless place.  Deep breaths, back to center and a clear mind. That’s my goal.

Humor is good too. Sometimes the only thing you can do is laugh when yet another crazy “bad” thing happens out of the blue.  Swearing is good too. My hubby and I have been doing lots of that lately, because it makes us laugh.

What are you doing to make the most of things falling apart? Have you found some silver linings?