Here at Preen, we’re fully aware that adult life doesn’t always go as smoothly (and look as beautiful) as curated Instagram feeds. We all face challenges amidst all the good things. Meet Mikka Wee, a former food editor-turned-working gal in Singapore, who’s about to share all the ups and downs that come with adulting and living. Welcome to Bless This Mess!
Some days just downright suck. There are days when everything seems to go against the current of normalcy—it’s like Alanis Morisette’s song, “Ironic,” brought to life. What a nightmare, right? And then, some tingly feeling wakes up inside you. Something we can call your own brand of “Spidey-sense” sends goosebumps down your spine, and like antennae detecting a radio signal, the cause of everything wrong sinks in. It’s Mercury retrograde season.
Let me tell you how I got kicked in the butt by Mercury retrograde last week. It was about 40 degrees outside, and I, not wanting to be late for work and come in drenched in sweat, decided to book a car to the office. What would normally cost me $7 (around P280 + a discount promo code) ended up costing about $24 (around P960). The price hike was really insane, so I gave up and conditioned myself to walk in the blistering heat.
I also had spin class after work, so I wore my activewear going to the office. When I was about to leave the house, I knocked over a glass of water on my leggings, which made it appear like I peed all over myself. It didn’t help that my underwear was drenched in cold water, but I had to make a move. All the while I absorbed curious stares from commuters. They shot confused stares my way; a million questions running through their minds.
At this rate, I was frustrated and waiting for the train, which was, of course, delayed. And I, in effect, was late for work. I plopped down on my chair, forgetting my bottom was wet. I was just waiting for the day to be over so I could smash it at spin class, which I am glad to report that I did.
These “change in tides” within our bodies are a part of how the earth shifts. There is science proving that retrograde could be real as we are all made of about 70 percent water and according to the grand scheme of things, this is why our bodies adjust to the motions going on in our universe. The moment it clicked in me that I was experiencing a retrograde; I did a quick Google search to validate my hypothesis (I was right). I don’t want to associate Mercury retrograde with the idea of doom or hopelessness, because one’s fate can still be curbed willingly, I feel. Here are some tricks that I hope could help.
Take responsibility for your actions
It’s easy to blame Mercury retrograde for all of the day’s mishaps, but it could also be because of your carelessness or failure to be mindful when it comes to doing a task. Blaming it on the retrograde is self-defeating and succumbing to its “power” just puts you in a more vulnerable position and weakens your spirit.
READ MORE: Find out how Mercury in retrograde affects you
Apart from exercising extra caution (should you find yourself in a pattern of mishaps and unfortunate events), deal with the situation and move on. Some things can be controlled and some can’t. Bad days are normal, but remember that as of today, you’ve survived 100 percent of your bad days.
Do something that empowers you
This is the same as finding an activity or a sacred space that you can unwind to. Lately, it’s been going to spin classes for me. I just love how I could pour out all my frustration and convert it to sweat. At the end of each class, I always feel high on endorphins, which equals to good energy. I always feel my best after every class and that’s how I know it’s something good for me. Find something that turns your mood from sour to sweet—other activities that help me get through are placing my phone on airplane mode (stop making excuses and just do it) and cozying up with good music, tea, a good book, or my journal.
READ MORE: Why the journal matters in the Twitter age
Be easy on yourself
Don’t be too hard of yourself. Everyone has her fair share of crappy days—that’s just how life is. Heck, even Beyoncé has her days, too. It’s human to make mistakes, and just because you went through a day where nothing just seemed right, just remember that this too shall pass. Easier said than done, but it always helps to lighten up.
I hate Mercury retrograde. I mean, who doesn’t? But by exercising more awareness and mindfulness with how we react and respond to this baffling phenomenon, the more we know how to kick this cosmic foe in the butt.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author in her private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Preen.ph, or any other entity of the Inquirer Group of Companies.
Art by Tricia Guevara
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