There are times when my mind wanders to the thought “I can’t stand these restrictions and will be happy when this pandemic crisis is over.” I am sure you also have had thoughts like this or maybe even worse.
When I focus on this thought it makes me feel icky, alone, trapped, frustrated, and stuck. I have put conditions on my happiness; I cannot be happy unless everything is in perfect order.
I am fortunate that I do not have a physical job to go to, but I do have work that I desire to do and share. I want to make connections, I want to create content and programs, and I want to inspire others to lead energized and creative lives. If allowed, my thoughts of negativity and despair would prevent me from doing the work that I love.
There is a saying I embrace, “What you think about comes about”. This means if you focus on the negative you will not be open to positive opportunities and more negative and challenging situations will be thrown in front of you. Feelings of happiness will elude you.
The pandemic is real. We all want it to go away. We can do our part by listening to public health guidelines, wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing. We can also cultivate our own happiness right now regardless of the circumstances. This will help decreases stress, raise resiliency, and helps us help others.
I have found that I am in control. I can harness more positive thoughts and I can create a supportive environment. Here are some practices that help me cultivate my happiness:
I have a morning routine of reading something inspiring, journaling, and meditating. When I begin my day this way, I always feel energized and positive about how my day will unfold.
I get outside at least once a day for a nice walk or hike. The fresh air and seeing nature invigorates my spirit and tames any negative thoughts, replacing them with inspiring and creative ideas.
When I feel rushed and stressed, even in my house, I consciously slow myself down and concentrate on the task at hand. This mindfulness exercise of being in the present moment relaxes me and helps me appreciate my life. You cannot think a negative thought while focusing on something positive.
I find time to do things that I enjoy like reading, painting, gardening, and cooking a great meal.
When I have an unpleasant thought, I take a deep breath, I acknowledge the thought and the feeling, then I make a conscious choice to replace it with a more positive thought or perspective. I do not dwell on the negative because it only gives it more power to grow and fester.
There are times I feel frustrated and think things like “My house is too small and noisy. I cannot get my writing finished!” I fix this by having conversations with Phil about the importance of my quiet time, I set boundaries and I use a headset with music.
And last, but probably the most important practice, is that at the end of the day I think of the good things in my life. I am grateful for a warm house, food, fur babies that love me and a partner that keeps me entertained. Showing gratitude brings more things into my life to be grateful for and adds to my happiness.
I am not perfect, but each day I get better at making choices for my actions and my thoughts that support a happy life. I hope the pandemic gets under control soon. Regardless, I will be cultivating my happiness and I hope you will find ways to cultivate yours too.
Stay safe, healthy, and happy.
Jeanette