I know things have been difficult recently but this is how it is, this is where we are. I’m noticing a tendency at the moment for people to be waiting for life to change and feeling like their life is on hold. But it isn’t. Your life is still passing by each day.
Try to stop sitting around and waiting for things to be normal. Stop waiting for improvements or things to be better. Stop waiting for things to change. Stop waiting to be happy. You can choose to find happiness now. You are living your life, today, in this moment. Life is made up of the small moments, savouring your morning coffee, appreciating your hot shower, listening to birdsong, relishing your good health, treasuring your face-time call with your friends and family, bathing in the 10 minutes of sun that pops through the clouds.
If you’re feeling miserable, make sure you do something you love to do every single day, and really relish and savour the experience. If you’re feeling bored, look at doing something new. Take up a new hobby. Get creative. Another option is helping someone else in need – this can lead to a “helper’s high”, and a good boost of happy hormones. If you’re feeling restless or frustrated, do some physical exercise that you enjoy. If you’re feeling motivated, give yourself an extra push and do something in spite of it.
We can’t expect big dramatic exciting positive changes on a daily basis. This would be too much for us to integrate. Most change, happiness and pleasures are to be found in the small things and can often be imperceptible if you are not open and looking for it. If you want change, do something different. You are not a tree.
Life is precious and short. Be here now.
“The Orange” By Wendy Cope
At lunchtime I bought a huge orange
The size of it made us all laugh.
I peeled it and shared it with Robert and Dave—
They got quarters and I had a half.
And that orange it made me so happy,
As ordinary things often do
Just lately. The shopping. A walk in the park
This is peace and contentment. It’s new.
The rest of the day was quite easy.
I did all my jobs on my list
And enjoyed them and had some time over.
I love you. I’m glad I exist.