Staying joyful and grounded
It has been another heavy week of news. Not only globally, but in our own backyards, as two of our clients are located just down the road from yesterday's events in Michigan.
Last night, a friend summarized a feeling that many in our community have shared lately: “There's so much going on in the world right now so trying to stay joyful and grounded how and where I can.”
Along those lines, I thought I'd share a few ideas for doing just that. If you have others that you'd add to the list, please feel free to reply, and I'll share them with our community next week.
Offer a free gift. An online review for a business or company or book you love, a small gesture, a kind note, a meal, an agenda, a friendly hello, an act of thoughtfulness (lots more ideas within the post). (More ideas here, as well, via Big Salad.)
Consider your “one thing” that makes everything else better, and prioritize that. For most of us, there is often one thing that makes us feel happier, calmer, and more patient… which has a cascading impact on everything else. For some, it's a morning workout. For others, it's a daily walk. Consider your “one thing” and what it might look like to prioritize it, even if in an abbreviated way during a hectic season.
Do something that is easy for you, but meaningful for someone else. And if someone offers to do the same for you, say “yes.” The other night, a girlfriend offered to give me a ride to my car, which was parked just far enough away to feel annoying while carrying a tray of leftover food, and on a street that was just quiet enough to make me double check my surroundings as I did. At first I resisted ("Are you sure?") because it was in the opposite direction from her house. But it was just a few blocks, and probably 3 extra minutes total, and in the scheme of things was something that was very easy for her to do and was very meaningful and helpful to me.
Read light, easy, joyful fiction at night rather than reading the news(confession: I've been guilty of not doing this the last several nights).
Create internal calm amidst external chaos, and focus on what we can impact, influence, and/or control.
Create a potluck, not a buffet.
Reduce unnecessary decisions.
Re-instate your gratitude practice (and, as a bonus, send a bit of Friday Feedback today —one thing you appreciate about someone else).
Questions? Please feel free to drop us a note anytime.
