Little pick me ups. I think I discount the amount of power that little actions can have to improve my mood and practice self care. Finding a snuggly blanket that is super soft and makes sleep feel so much softer, closer. Feeling the breeze on my face while I ponder how beautiful the green of the tree leaves looks against a blue sky. Hearing a good song and turning up the radio to blast it while singing along.
I’m pretty sure that it’s just awareness of these events and then being mindful of how much better they make me feel that gives them power. But when I’m stressed and worried, it’s amazing the power of a sunny day. A laugh with a coworker in between sessions about how our children think that putting their clothes on backwards is a fashion statement. A shared smile with someone who is walking out of the massage therapist’s with sheet creases in their face.
When I’m stressed and worried, it’s amazing the power of a sunny day.
You know that I love to travel and the power of a majestic view, ancient civilization, cuisine from a foreign land are like strings that pull me toward setting up the next trip. But they are nothing compared to these small pick me ups that happen every day, that I need every day. I wouldn’t be able to plan the next trip without these small things that happen and make life livable. I don’t pay attention to them except when there is a major stressor that makes me more aware of them. When I have a disagreement with a loved one that makes me angry and then notice that I’m feeling better because I’m in the car and my favorite song came on. Noticing that everything is going right today, but I still feel blah and realizing that it is the 5th day in the row of overcast skies, snow or rain.
I’ve been unaware of pick me ups for so long, what can I turn to when the weather is bad?
I feel like I need to start a list of things that will be pick me ups when I need them. I’ve been unaware of them for so long, what can I turn to when the weather is bad? I can’t count on a sunny day when it’s winter in Michigan, but the super soft blanket is always available. The smile and interaction with someone else that confirms my connection to other humans is usually available with just a trip to the store. I need to make a list of them and make sure that they aren’t all tied to external factors. They need to work for me no matter who else is around or what the weather is like. Start noticing the things that work for you. Build a cache of things that will work for you when you need just a little pick me up.
