"Moody" Institute

I am moody.

There, I said it. I suffer from the moodiness plague. I don't think I'm alone in this. I think it's probably a human condition. Regardless, when moodiness runs rampant, it keeps the ministry leader from serving strong. So, I thought I'd share a couple insights about what I've been learning at my own "Moody Institute"...

I can't always trust my moods, but I do.

When I'm happy, I think the world is 100% right -- It isn't. When I'm depressed, I think the world is 100% bad -- It isn't. Nothing is ever 100% right nor 100% wrong.

Routines always circumvent the negative impact of my moods.

I know the value of quiet time with God, especially in the morning and evening. Sometimes I feel like quieting my mind. Sometimes I don't. If I relied solely on how I felt about it, I'd be hit or miss. A routine, however, keeps me more consistent. For example, if I spend 10 minutes reading scripture, 10 minutes praying for others and 10 minutes in quiet listening - that becomes my 3-step task. When I feel like doing it, I can embellish the routine. When I don't feel like doing it, I can at least stick to the routine as the base. In fact, it may be a ploy of the enemy to keep me from time with God when I don't feel like it. So I am more likely to hear something big from God in the times when I initially don't feel like it.

I can seize the moment when the mood is right.

If I am feeling particularly good, I can take out the encouragement cards from my desk drawer and fire off a bunch of encouraging notes to people. Why not take advantage of the lighter mood? They are going to come anyway. When I'm in a bad mood, it's best not to make major decisions or say too much.

Moods aren't totally in control of my life.

Although moods come and go, there are some things I can do to minimize their impact. For example, I can get adequate sleep. That keeps my bad moods from growing too big. I can engage in a hobby. That strengthens the "good mood muscle". Here's a link to Scott Young's blog on how to get back into a good mood.

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What about you - How do you wrestle with moodiness (please don't tell me I'm the only moody person alive)?

Comments

[Bill (cycleguy)]

Scott: I tend to be an emotional person but I come down on the side of mostly being "up." Very seldom am I down and when I am it is for only maybe part of a day or so. I think one of the things that helps is my cycling. It gets the endorphins going. But I am also aware that when I am up, I am really up and when I am down...it is best to be by myself. :) I am easy to read so there is no hiding. I try hard not to let my emotions rule me though.

[Glynn]

My wife calls my moodiness something else. But it happens. It's usually when I'm wrestling with something - an issue at work, something I'm having trouble writing about - and I withdraw into myself. Many times I don't even realize it -- and I have to consciously force myself out of it by doing something (like yard work).

[jasonS]

I love these suggestions and the sense behind them. Great post, Scott. I appreciate it.

[Jay Cookingham]

I soooo glad my moods are not in control of my life...although sometimes, it seems that way! Great thoughts bro'

[Scott Couchenour]

Bill - Cycling back into rhythm is an excellent suggestion. I bet anyone can add that to their journey (whether cycling, walking, running, kayaking, ...)

Glynn - wives are good at bringing truth to the forefront quickly, aren't they? Again, like Bill's cycling, yard work is an excellent method for getting back to rhythm.

Jason - Thanks, man. I appreciate your encouragement. You're an encourager, aren't you? I can tell. The world needs more people like you.

Jay - Thanks for the comment. Let's keep each other honest so moods don't get access to "command central", okay? Have a great week!