I’m a list person. I like to write a list and check things off one by one. I have journals, notebooks with a list of things I would like to do. From Outcome lists to Grateful lists to Project lists to affirmations etc.
There are no words to describe how 2020 has slapped us silly. Yet, with just one month left, here is the good news. We are still here. I’m so grateful for that.
Over a month ago, I felt so down. Let me correct that there were multiple moments of sadness and loss. Mental Health has been under assault. The human race has had to fight to maintain our mental and physical health.
Let me get back to my story. One of the moments that I felt myself slipping down the low slope of sadness, I took up a workbook, and the exercise for that day was as follows:
Make a list of as many things as possible that you appreciate about your life.
So I started the list.
- I’m grateful there have been no school shootings this year.
- I’m grateful my children are safe and alive.
- I’m grateful for our income.
- I’m grateful for the good health of my mom and grandma.
- I’m grateful for a contented and caring husband, who makes me happy.
- Girl friends that listen to my rants, and at times are like therapists.
- Grateful for prayer partners.
- Always grateful for you readers.
As I wrote each sentence to recall the good, positive things that came into my life in 2020, I could feel a shift in my emotions. Before long, the list grew from one to forty-five. Although nothing had changed on the outside, the happy hormones inside were doing summer salts.
Now you do it, stop and think. Since 2020 rolled in, what has changed for the better in your life? Make a list and notice the euphoria that comes by the time you get to the end of the list.
With that dopamine high, I notice that the fog cleared from my mind. I had an idea, acted on it, and saved $250.
Now that your mood has changed for the better, it’s vital to keep tabs on your joy level. Is it full, halfway, totally empty? Well, you can do something about it. You must!
For starters, be mindful of your Joy Killers — and give them no power!
Laugh more. Find a reason to just laugh as hard as possible. Laughter shifts every single dull mood. Remember a funny moment. Sometimes watching cartoons brings you back to happy childhood memories. Songs can uplift your mood. Watching beach videos on Youtube can do the trick as well if you cannot travel. Deep breathing. Meditate on goodness, including dreams for your future, and not the stuff falling apart or filled with limitations.
Strive to intentionally shift your mood, as soon as you feel the sad fog rolling in. Read this great quote. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” ― Maya Angelou
Make a list of what makes you happy, so you can reach in your tool kit and flip the switch as soon as you need it. If you are happy, then you can share it with others.
Now you can speak appreciation to those in your life. If this year has shown us one thing is that we’re here today and gone tomorrow. So in closing, protect your joy, activate your joy, count your gratitude moments, daily. Then share it.
UMMM
My world, my home, my relationships are infused with pure light.
I welcome gladness and gratitude to enter my heart
Joy in my face.
Joy in my mind.
Joy all around.
Today I’m filled with the light of joy.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Offering of Help
Can you help a young mother who lost her job? I asked her to write her gratitude list and after she did, she thanked me for helping her to do the exercise.