Recognize the good things

by Debbie Williams, Regional Volunteer Coordinator

When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.

~ Paul Coelho “The Alchemist”

This quote is a timely reminder of how easy is it to lose track and feel as if every day is the same, even though we are thankfully coming to the end of the latest lockdown. It is easy to fail to recognise the good things that happen each day when we are perhaps feeling isolated, frustrated and as though we are stuck in a never ending cycle of restrictions, lockdown and more restrictions. Sometimes the good things we have to focus on may be very small, but each time we give them a little house room in our mind and hearts, they grow and spread a little more warmth and comfort throughout our being. The latest lockdown is ending soon and there may still be restrictions, but there is hope in the news that the R rate is coming down locally and the sun is shining as I write this post.

Take a moment to think of three good things that happened yesterday, however small they seem. Bring them to mind, let your thoughts roll over them gradually. As you savour those moments and let the positive images they create spread into a feeling of warmth and momentary joy. Recognise that feeling, give it a little space, and then spend a moment thinking of at least one positive thing that has happened since you woke up this morning. Make it a habit to spend a few moments each breaktime to do this little exercise, it’s a really simple way to help overcome any feelings of frustration you may be experiencing in this surreal life we are living at the moment. Don’t try to force out any frustrations, acknowledge them, recognise the impact they are having on your body. Then let them go and focus on a positive thought for a moment and allow yourself to experience the different way that makes you feel. What is happening in your body as you let go of the tension that accompanies frustrating, negative thoughts? How does your body feel different when you focus on positives? Can you feel yourself relaxing? Do they automatically bring a smile to your face?  

Developing this awareness of the impact of mind / body reactions to situations and thoughts can really help to deal with everyday frustrations and anxiety and have a very positive impact on mood and energy levels. Exercise is another good way to improve mood and if like me, you’re not keen on the gym and are a fair weather walker, there are some great walk at home videos on YouTube that work in your living room.