My thought for today is self-pity. It is defined as an inward-focused emotional state where you dwell on your suffering, see your situation as uniquely unfair and you feel powerless to prevent it. Often, especially when we are grieving a loved one, we feel that this is being done to us, that no one knows how we are feeling and that the only avenue of escape is by numbing ourselves with alcohol or drugs or some other form of bad behaviour. A tool that I have found useful in easing self-pity is the practice of gratitude. Reminding myself of the things I have to be grateful for often cancels out the negative sensations caused by self-pity. Another good tool is service to others. It takes us out of ourselves and encourages us to focus on the needs of others rather than our own selfish needs.
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