It’s funny how hard it is to find peace within our own cycles. The unexplained highs and lows. The ebb and flow. I feel grateful that (most of the time) I can let uncomfortable emotions pass naturally without making things worse. I think some lessons are lifelong works in progress.
To that end, it’s time to return to my daily mindfulness calendar, with small tasks each day that I know increase my well being. Take a walk. Bake cookies. Kiss each critter. Watch a sunset… Funny that I need to be reminded of these simple joys – but I think I’m ready for another 30-day challenge. I still love looking through the photos from the last one.
Thankful again for a lot of extra time with a sick, older furry companion. She was a shining example of finding love and joy in the hard parts. She left tough shoes to fill, but an energetic rescue gal shows us that life does go on. The new girl is a firecracker, but there is love there as well.
Feeling especially appreciative of slow days, good weather and a determination to be grateful. “When all your desires are distilled you will cast two votes: To love more, and be happy.”
Hi Melissa I’m interested in your 30 day challenge. Is it to increase mindfulness?
For me, it certainly increases my mindfulness. I sat down one day and wrote a list of small things that made me happy, habits I want to reinforce better, etc – then threw it all into a google calendar. And since I wanted to remember the highlights later, I made a facebook photo album for it as well.
Here is the facebook album to give you a better idea. https://www.facebook.com/melissa.kress.16/media_set?set=a.1052389268143801&type=3&uploaded=1
Thanks for sharing. I love this.
Truly awesome idea. I did a 21 day challenge one year and it was without pics but I might try your 30 day challenge. I think it is a wonderful idea.
The photo album made more work, but being able to look back through it helps to remind me of how many things I would have missed otherwise. I still have my slump days/weeks, but I usually feel better even if I have to drag myself to start a “happiness task”. Humans are silly creatures. :)