By Jennifer Dean, Present of Dean's Professional Services
If you find yourself constantly bouncing from one dramatic situation to the next, it might be time to evaluate your life. Have you ever thought about why we have so much drama? Some people even seem to have a dark cloud following them everywhere they go. They’re wrapped up in the tornadoes of their own lives, and they love to drag other people in to the storm.
Our dictionary defines drama as “a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces.” I would say, “Drama is any excess baggage that causes personal chaos that spins out of control.”
Everyone has baggage as a part of life, and each of us carries different bags with different weights. Sometimes, I think we should put a limit on the bags we can bring on board in our lives – just like when we fly. Only two bags per passenger allowed.
Here’s three bags that can lead to drama in your life…
Impulsive Decisions. Many times, difficult situations in our lives are a product of our doing. We sometimes invite situations into our lives because of impulsive decisions. Sometimes we get swept into other people’s drama - out of emotion - without considering the consequences. The drama seems to always be simmering under the surface. Sometimes we say yes impulsively because its difficult to say no, even when it’s not the best decision. Sometimes we make impulsive decisions in the heat of conflict, and we later regret it. Evaluate some of your decisions that you’ve made in the past that may have lead to drama. Did you make them without thinking about all the details? Have you ever made an impulsive decision that later affected your finances like buying a car that you cannot afford? Or have you ever called into work sick because you just didn’t want to go that day? Next time you’re faced with an important decision, take time to weigh the options and consider how they may affect your future.
Anxiety. It’s a product of excessive worrying which can cause drama. If you’ve ever had an anxiety attack, you know how overwhelming the apprehension and fear can be. It’s often accompanied by sweating, nausea, a racing pulse and cold, clammy hands. In 2023, Generalized anxiety disorder is listed as VERY COMMON. With over 3 million reported cases per year, this disorder is marked by constant worrying that’s out of your control. Common worries can include health, money, family, and work. The intensity however, is usually way out of proportion to the actual problem. Don’t get me wrong, a small amount of anxiety is good. It keeps you on your toes – but too much anxiety is bad for your health. Take some time to review the things that bring you anxiety. Are they reasonable? Are they exaggerated? Do they affect other aspects of your life? Do they keep you awake at night? Can you do anything to resolve them? Are they in your scope of control?
Chaotic Relationships. Unlike anxiety, chaotic relationships are never beneficial. They are always going to lead to drama, and many people find themselves living in the eye of the storm. Chaotic relationships are detrimental to your mental and physical health. They can cause your life to become an emotional mess that takes you away from your priorities. It isn’t easy getting out of a chaotic relationship, especially if it involves any kind of abuse. If so – you’ve got to seek professional help. But first, you must recognize it for what it is. Does the other person in this relationship have constant drama in their life?
Many come to me seeking a job opportunity, but come to find they learn so much more about life. We must remember that there are only 86,400 seconds in a day. Life is a gift. How did you use your gift today?