I have been really troubled lately when I hear caregivers say: “This is the way it is now”, “I wish I could enjoy time out”, “I can’t ask them, they have their own life” or “I have to carry this alone”.
This may sound harsh and bold & I don’t mean it to be this way. But when you look at the glass half empty, you'll continue to stay that way. Complaining, moping and negativity are easy.
Yes, you're experiencing a terrible, challenging time. I'm sending hugs & warm thoughts. BUT, let me be your best friend in your ear. You have to pick yourself up! Everything, I mean everything in your life isn't broken. Yes, your spouse is sick, your new normal is hard but there are parts that are ok.
Today I want to talk about making the best of EVERY situation.
I'm hearing many complaining about the holidays not being good this year. Yes, we're quarantining & being asked to stay home. But, what about those people that lost their loved ones? What about the people that lost their jobs & are losing their home?
Instead of saying & thinking negative. Think: No hustle and bustle, I don’t have to get dressed up. I don’t have to travel. We can stay in our pjs all day. We can have dinner anytime we want to. We can try new things. We can Facetime our families.
Same goes for you! Instead of focusing on the challenges first, I encourage you to find joy & gratitude first.
In these trying days, you can easily lose sight of joy, hope & happiness. When the world feels like it’s spiraling out of control & all seems to be lost, holding onto positive feelings can be a tough thing.
Do you ever notice how some folks always seem to have their chins up, even on the worst of days? It’s a valuable trait, & it’s also one that most people have to learn with time as a skill.
Here are my ways to find your joy, even in difficult times.
1. PAY ATTENTION TO THE LITTLE THINGS
2. EXERCISE
3. STAY GRATEFUL
4. DRESS UP
5. SET GOALS AND PURSUE PASSION
6. DON’T FORGET SELF-CARE
7. FIND WAYS TO LAUGH
8. MEDITATE
9. TURN OFF OR TUNE OUT NEGATIVITY
10. SING AND DANCE
11. BE ONE WITH NATURE
12. GET ENOUGH SLEEP
13. COOK
You will find my a detailed list at cathylvan.com/episode8.
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” - Wayne Dryer
