I have a trick to turn around your next bad day. Get some place quiet and take a deep, slow breath. Then, I want you to remember a low point in your life, a really, really bad day/week/year. For some of us it might be our rock-bottom. It might be a time of grief or extreme stress. Recall how it felt to be in the midst of that fear, that sadness, that darkness.
Now open your eyes and see the life you have today.
I don’t want this to sound placating or oversimplified. It may seem like a pat, cliché answer, but I use this strategy quite often. You see, not long ago, I suffered from anxiety attacks that were so severe that I was suicidal. Sure I still have bad days, but when I remember where I’ve been, I am simply grateful for my present life.
I am thankful for my apartment, because there was a time when I depended on the kindness of others to shelter me. I whisper a prayer of thankfulness when I do my laundry, because there are people who won’t have warm clothes this winter. I say “Thank you, God.” as I put away my groceries, because I feel taken care of, and I know I won’t go hungry.
I encourage you to inject a bit of gratitude into your day. Notice your blessings. Say thank you dozens of times today. Thank the person beside you for their smile. Thank the Universe for supporting your efforts. Thank God for the air in your lungs. I believe that the more you notice what’s good, the more good you will have to be thankful for.
Real happiness doesn’t come from striving and stressing, but in truly knowing that you are favored, lucky, and blessed.
Have a beautiful, blessed week!
I Love you all, and “thank you” for reading!