Gosh, what a lot of stuff we’re all dealing with each and every day and in Covid times it’s even harder for some people.
People are used to the freedom of jumping in their car or on a plane and travelling to see family and friends, going out to lunch or dinner, catching up for a variety of social outings. Most people have holidays away from home to unwind and leave the daily responsibilities behind for awhile.
But what happens when circumstances prohibit us from doing those normal type things? How are you coping? Sadly, I’ve noticed many people are frustrated, a tad grumpy and showing sure signs of anxiety.
It really doesn’t have to be that way you know.
I’m not suggesting for one moment that there’s not some ‘side effects’ from lockdown and restrictions. Of course there are. People have lost jobs, businesses have gone broke and people are sick and missing the company and care of loved ones.
But let’s shift our focus to keeping things in perspective – it will help you to feel happier, less anxious and not so overwhelmed. It seems obvious, but I know people get caught up in all they see as wrong and totally forget about all that is still right. Yes, it’s become somewhat of a cliche these days, but if you have a comfortable home, fresh food, clean water, clothing and the possibility of a better future you’re fortunate indeed – way more fortunate than the estimated 736 million people living in extreme poverty surviving on less than $1.90 a day. How humbling it is to ponder on that for a moment. It’s a bonus if you also have a spouse, family member or friend who loves and cares about you.
I certainly don’t mean to undermine the fears and suffering of anyone affected by these Covid related times, but at the same time I’d like to remind you that it’s an option to keep zooming in on things that annoy and frustrate you or, choose to think and do more of the things that bring you joy and peaceful feelings. Plus, ancient wisdom tells us that true happiness comes from inner peace and can’t be found ‘out there’. That’s certainly been my experience – and I learnt the hard way.
Fresh air and nature are still there, so is cleansing rain and warm sunshine. Chances are you live somewhere in the world where you can see the blue sky, soft clouds, rainbows, the moon and stars at night. You can probably go to your local supermarket or health food shop and buy fresh fruit and veg and other foods you love. (or even have them delivered to your door!) You may even get to have meals with someone you share your home with. (If you’re really fortunate, like me, you get to share with animal friends which is a huge joy!) Absolutely nothing can stop you from meditating on goodness and the great news is, as you learn to calm and still your mind, you’ll see and feel even more goodness.
So dear readers, what will you choose after you’ve read this blog post? Will you stop what you’re doing for a minute or two and check where your thinking is? What’s going on in that busy, chaotic mind of yours? I’m pretty certain that if you’re feeling anxious and/or angry, your mind is racing with thoughts of injustice, fear, worry, resentment and blame. It’s a somewhat sad fact that none of those thoughts will change a single thing for the better.
It’s a happy fact that if you choose optimism, hope, joy, peace and acceptance of what is rather than continually raging against what isn’t, you’ll feel better, happier, calmer and more at peace, which in turn means you’ll function more effectively in your world and be able to help, encourage and influence others by sharing loving kindness so they too can have a life where Every Day Gets Better. 💛
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