Emotional roller coastering and distractions

Today has been a day of emotional roller coastering.  Is that even a word?  Too bad, I like it.   :-)  I really don't know if this is unique to me or whether other people go through such a range of emotions in one day.   It's a bit exhausting I must say!  So today I had a period of time when I was really angry and I have absolutely no idea why.  That's the bit that gets me, I like explanations for things.  Then I had times when I was very happy, that was really NICE!!!  Add to that a little bit of sadness and a lot of joy.

When I get angry I just don't know what to do with it, especially when there doesn't seem to be a reason for it.  As I have done on many occasions before when I need a distraction, I put on some music, quite loudly too, music that would be considered quite alternative, music someone my age wouldn't be expected to listen to.  Man it was good.  Didn't take long before I was singing away and no doubt making other people smile when we were stopped at the traffic lights.  Hey, it's free entertainment!  (Perhaps I should mention I was driving and not dancing and singing on the footpath.)

Sadness came today when I was reading a blog by a lady who has been going through a difficult time with one of her children.  She has a diagnosis for his condition now and although in one way this makes it easier to deal with, it's also a time for a little bit of grief.  It's the realisation that your child is not in the mainstream and that life is going to be challenging for them in many ways.  You know you are in for continuing times of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion as you help your child to reach their full potential.  You know you are in for the fight of your life so that your child has a voice, finds his or her place in the world and is recognised for their abilities as much as their disabilities.

My joy today came from three things.  First I received a message from the above lady who was appreciative of some words of encouragement I left on her blog.  I commented because I understand what she will be going through as I've been in her situation with one of my own children.  My second  very big joy came from a phone call Miss C received about having a third interview for a job.  (She has been looking for work for a couple of years.)  This sounds really promising as she has progressed through two interviews.  The third joy came from Miss G receiving 98% for a biology test which she didn't have time to study for.  She is doing two VCE subjects in year 11 and biology is one of them.  Her goal is to reduce the amount of subjects she is doing next year in year 12 to 5 instead of 6 to lighten her work load.  But she has to get a high score before her school will allow her to do only 5 subjects next year.

Happiness came from being out and about and being distracted in a pleasant way.  From finding the perfect birthday present for a family member.  The focus was off myself and onto other things.  Finding a dress to wear to the ballet was pretty amazing I must say, this time last week it wasn't looking to good in that department.

So I guess I have realised again today how much distractions can help with emotional roller coastering.  It can be music you find groovy, doesn't matter if someone else thinks it's rubbish.  It can be from the joy of knowing you have helped someone else.  And it can be from little things too. 

Now I need to go and make dinner or there will be no joy at all for my hungry family!