Blogs - Chief of Pray Blog

How to Eliminate Bad Moods

My college roommate was a complete bitch. I’m grateful for her rotten personality, sarcasm and mean spirit. Michelle was all the motivation I needed to spend a lifetime in a good mood. She scared the crabbiness right out of me; I’m rarely moody anymore.

I was getting ready for the long holiday weekend, and I was in a terrific mood. I got a request for a sample copy of my new book and I went to the UPS store down the block from my condo, to send it out. Picture me whistling a happy tune. I walk into the store to complete my very pleasant task.

That’s when I’m hit with one stupid excuse after another from a defensive clerk, as to why my book can’t be sent out UPS ground. I won’t bore you with the details. Now, picture me with steam coming out of my ears. I’m no longer in my good mood, and I’m trying every trick in the book, to get back to my happy place. I smile. I recall a funny story. I think of a real cute kid I know. Nada, zip, and zilch.

After I left the store, I thought long and hard about why the lazy, stupid, and rude clerk (pardon my language, I guess I’m still venting) succeeded in making me moody. Is it humanly possible to act cheerful when you’re genuinely pissed-off?

I know plenty of ways to eliminate a bad mood:

1. Count your blessings. 
2. Fake a good mood. 
3. Say a prayer of gratitude.

It took all three methods, plus an hour or two, to shake off my ugly confrontation with the UPS clerk. What makes it even worse, I was the cause of someone else’s bad mood... and it's still the holiday season! I am determined. Next time I will be strong and I will spread good cheer.

I’m not suggesting that the secret to eliminating bad moods is in being a doormat. I was right to speak up in the store, and attempt to correct the mistake. But what I did take away from my customer nightmare; is that I am still a work in progress. Michelle may have scared a good habit into me so many years ago, yet it’s not enough. I have a long way to go.

I’m perfecting myself and that’s a far cry from being perfect. Maybe that’s what makes me interesting. I am grateful to God for the ability to react, reflect and change a bad mood to a good one.

Change is Coming

My dreams and visions are shattered.
Source of my strength,
put it all back together.
Change is coming.

Everything I think is right,
is turned upside down.
Source of my strength,
fix the wrongs.
Change is coming.

Source of my strength,
I need You now.
Change is coming.

-Brenda Scott