The sad and worrying part of the world we live in is that there are many injustices and a great deal of violence and cruelty. That’s a fact and it’s disturbing and hard to believe that humans can be so destructive and out of balance.
But, there are also many peaceful, compassionate people taking action every day, week, month and year to bring kindness to the earth and all it’s inhabitants. There are people all over the world standing up for human rights, animal rights and a better way of living to protect the environment. From the people who rescue animals, sign petitions, form groups to educate, run fundraisers etc, explore and embrace a vegan lifestyle, to people who bring joy to others in their communities in all manner of meaningful ways. The list goes on and on of all the caring and kind words and deeds that take place each and every day across the world.
Yes, there is much that needs more attention to bring about positive change but our world will never be 100% free of sad and (often) horrendous situations. However, we each need to keep doing our bit, consistently, whatever form that may take, to bring about positive change regardless.
In order to keep our sanity and dare to be happy despite the suffering in the world, we must learn to bring the focus back to our own lives.
Ask yourself these questions every day.
‘How can I better care for myself today?’
‘What kind of actions can I take to bring more serenity to my day?’
‘Will my choices today nurture me and uplift me or bring me down?’
‘Will my choices enhance my health or deplete it?’
‘How much time will I spend today focussing on my own needs?’
It’s astoundingly easy to get caught up in all manner of things that don’t nurture our bodies and/or minds and yet we wonder why we’re feeling stressed, tired, irritable and unhappy. If your job is causing you to feel exhausted and for whatever reason you can’t change it, you will need to do even more self nurturing and caring. Same if you’re a parent – especially with young children. It doesn’t have to take long – little and often is the key.
People pleasing, care taking others’ business, doing too much, rushing, not eating a balanced diet, not exercising, not having adequate sleep, can (and usually do) factor in to whether you’ll feel your best and have a happy, fulfilling day – or not.
To look after yourself effectively first, means not only will you feel better, but your family, friends and colleagues will benefit from your well-being also.
If you’re not used to self nurturing, start small – choose one thing you’ll do for seven days and then add another one the next week. Make sure they’re healthy ones and watch Every Day Get Better.
Thank you for this post! Timely and necessary in my hectic world. I will heed the reminders and tips you recommend and take better care of myself this year.
Thank you Caroline! I wish you a wonderfully joyful new year with much self care and nurturing. ?