Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., feeling like the universe has declared war on your well-being? I had one of those weeks recently. Between a flurry of coaching and discovery calls, juggling tasks at the law firm, helping out at church with our monthly outreach (which included a beach cleanup and sharing the Sunday message), and managing the usual parenting and household responsibilities, I was running on fumes and just in a bad mood. It was one of those all-consuming, whirlwind weeks that seem to test every ounce of patience and energy we have.

And guess what? I woke up yesterday feeling ready to rumble with the world, even though nothing specific or anyone had triggered this cranky mood. Sometimes, you just wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and that’s okay—it’s part of being human.

I used to handle these moments poorly, letting them drag me down and affect everyone around me. But I’ve grown, and I’m excited to share some strategies that have helped me, my clients, and might just help you too. Here’s how to handle those tough days with a bit more grace and self-compassion:

1. Accept the Mood Instead of Fighting It

First off, it’s important to acknowledge and accept your feelings rather than denying or battling them. When I wake up in a cranky mood, I remind myself that it’s perfectly okay to feel that way. I may not like the feelings or want to act on them, but accepting them as part of my reality helps. Fighting against these emotions can be exhausting and counterproductive, leading to a vicious cycle where the mood lingers and impacts how I interact with others.

So, instead of shoving my bad mood aside, I accept it. I don’t wallow, but I acknowledge that it’s there. This acceptance helps me avoid the trap of denial, which only amplifies stress and disrupts my well-being.

2. Get Curious, Not Judgmental

When you’re feeling off, approach it with curiosity rather than judgment. Our emotions are messengers that provide insight into what’s going on inside us. If I’m grumpy, I ask myself why. Maybe I’m overtired, or my hormonal cycle is affecting my mood. Perhaps there’s something I’ve been putting off or an underlying issue causing this discomfort.

Instead of judging myself for being in a bad mood, I try to understand what’s driving it. Journaling, taking a walk, or simply reflecting can help me uncover the root cause. This self-awareness empowers me to address the issue more effectively and make conscious choices about how to move forward.

3. Choose Vulnerability Over Victimhood

Here’s a tough but powerful truth: we have two roles in the story of our lives—hero or victim. I had a coaching session years ago where my coach gently pointed out that I was stuck in the victim role. I was focusing on what was wrong and how unfair everything seemed. She encouraged me to shift from playing the victim to embracing vulnerability.

Instead of letting anger and frustration consume me, I learned to express how I was truly feeling in a more vulnerable way. This shift helped me connect more genuinely with others and find support. So, if you’re having a rough day, share your feelings with a trusted friend, your partner, or even your kids. Asking for a bit of extra understanding and support can make a world of difference.

Navigating a tough week can be challenging, but by accepting your emotions, staying curious, and choosing vulnerability, you can handle these moments with greater ease and grace. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and with these tools, you can turn those tough days into opportunities for growth and connection.

Take care and be kind to yourself!

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