When You’re In A “Funk”

It’s been “one of those days.”

You probably know the kind.

The kind where you’re in a “funk” all day long.

funk:  a dejected mood

Nothing particular happened to take me there. And nothing seemed to be able to pull me out.

I prayed. I read God’s Word. I thought positively. Goodness, I even attended my Bible study leaders’ meeting. Nothing helped.

It was best I spent the afternoon in my office. That way, my mood wouldn’t rub off on anyone else.

Ever experience this kind of day??

I can’t remember the last time I had one. All I knew was I didn’t like it. Not one bit.

But mid-afternoon, my husband and I hopped on our tandem bike and went for a beautiful ride.

Oh, it was lovely.

Perfect temperatures. Breathtaking colors. A gentle breeze. Just me and my guy.

And you know? Something happened out there on the trails. My dejected mood turned into a refreshed one. A smile returned to my face. My spirits lifted. My heart was happy.

Biking does that for me. If you would have told me three years ago that this would be the case, I would have never believed you. But, truly, getting out there, peddling my heart out, and experiencing life in open spaces just makes me happy.

What’s the thing you do or the particular person, place or thing that makes you happy?? Could it be time to do it, or experience it again??

Reality sank in as we stopped for dinner on the trail. “What am I going to do this winter?” Biking doesn’t work well on ice or snow. I haven’t come up with a solution yet. I’m just hoping there is one!

Five lessons I learned today while dealing with my funk:

1 – Pray. 

God gives comfort to those whose hearts are heavy. 2 Corinthians 7:6a

2 – Give yourself some grace when you’re in a funk. Don’t get down on yourself. Piling that on top of your dejected mood isn’t going to help. Accept your mood, do what you can to change it (pray!), and move on with your day.

3 – Keep smiling. Even if you don’t feel like it, smile.

4 – Do the thing that makes you happy, or seek out the person, place or thing that makes your heart soar. Watch your mood change.

5 – Talk to someone who can encourage you. My husband did that for me as we peddled. Oh, how I needed his words.

If we were sitting across my dining room table talking here, I’d also tell you, your funk isn’t you. Your moods, your emotions, your feelings don’t determine who you are. You are incredible. Never forget that.

Praying for you as I write. You are a blessing to me!

Much love,

Julie