How To Stop Feeling Crappy

Oh honey, I know. I've been there. There is something wrong. You're a little sad and discontent. People are being assholes without even trying. This is normally par for the course, but really? Can't they stop assholing around for just one sweet minute? And there's not enough money. Or attention. And where the hell are the accolades? When you were having (pre-Bobby) Whitney Houston dreams in your puffy bedroom, this was not what you imagined. "What happened?", you think, "How did I end up this way?"

This is not the time for The Secret. Please, please, step away from the Oprah. She is your friend, just not now. The Artists Way is a nice idea but it's not what's needed. It's time to stop thinking about your life and get the hell out of your head. During my own personal journey with this brand of self-centered angst, I've found the things to do are pen out a gratitude list. If that makes you want to puke, then forget it because there's even a better thing to do. A quick, easy and effective way to get out of your personal crapfest is to help someone else.


It's corny, yes. They make pocket books out of this sort of belief. There is certainly some version of this sentiment on a Precious Moments statuette laying around a Hallmark store. But like any cliche or stereotype, it's around because it's true. Take it from me, an emotional Italian. So why not throw a little money at someone who needs it? Or buy a Venti for the guy standing behind you in line? Or volunteer to read or tutor or hold a lonely cat? It helps. Trust me.

Everyone has her charity soft spot. For my BFF Sarah it's animals, especially cats. Tell her a cat needs money and she'll whip out her wallet with the speed of a Real Housewife throwing yet another party for herself. I get someone loving cats, but with Sarah it was a little harder for me to understand because of her cat Maxine. Girl was one cold cat-bitch. You know the type. The "Don't Touch Me You Insipid Human" type. In all fairness Max did snuggle up with me one time, but I was missing some jewelry afterward.

An ex of mine sympathized a lot with the elderly. Probably because he's going to die alone and lonely with cold piles of money giving him no comfort. What, me bitter? Yes.

My charity soft spot is kids. It always has been, even before I had Walt. Even so, I'll admit that being a mom has intensified the heartwrench factor of kids in need for me. For the past 2 years I've watched a little human grow and develop. His complete trust and dependence on me drives home how much kids need adults to help them along. They also need money. And school supplies.

This is why I'm asking...can you please give some money to help poor NYC kids buy some school stuff? We're talking about kids who get free lunch. You know if their parents can't afford lunch, then the chances of them showing up with notebooks and pens are unlikely. Even $20 will help them buy some stuff. That's less than the co-pay for Paxil!

Eliza describes it better than I, so please check out her post, Dream Maker, Wish Granter and make a contribution.

If you don't feel better afterward, try a little Tom Kha Gai soup with a chunk of sticky rice thrown in. If that doesn't help, I've got nothin'.