The coach at the exercise class said something profound the other day. After each exercise, she would say, “Shake it out and move on.” So, her class of women would vibrate a little and move on to the next machine. With just a change of one word, that phrase of hers could become a life philosophy: Shake it off and move on.
I’ve got to remember that from day-to-day. When small things irritate, when people disappoint, when an expected end does not occur, it’s good to just shake it off, forget it, and keep going with life. Now, of course, there are some things that can’t be shaken off and when I encounter one of them, I wrap my thoughts and actions and the outcome in prayer and trust in God to deal with it.
We all have days when a cutting word or a misdeed really hurt. Lashing out won’t change things. Having a temper tantrum doesn’t help. Neither does a hissy fit nor retreating behind a wall of righteous indignation. What’s to do? Starting at the top of the head, vibrate just a bit, give those shoulders a twitch, bend your knees, and shake, sort of like your dog does when he comes onto your newly mopped floor with muddy paws and soggy fur. Notice how those drops of rain go flying from his coat? Then, he shrugs and goes to check out his food dish.
As you shake it off, pretend you see those hurts and worries just fly away into nothingness (or better still, landing on the head of the perpetrator. heh heh). Then, forget it and get on with life. If you feel that you must shake it off while you are in a store or walking down a sidewalk or out to dinner, I guarantee that it will enhance your reputation and make for lively conversation.
Thought: May your day be filled with nothing that can’t be shaken off as you move on with the expectation that good things are just around the corner.
good advice