22 Feb Turning unhappiness into happiness
Let me begin by noting that, as I’ve said many times before, it’s OK not to be OK all the time. It’s OK to be sad or angry, anxious or afraid. These are all normal human emotions that at times, are perfectly appropriate.
Accordingly, no one should expect to be happy all the time.
But even though it’s important to accept a degree of unhappiness, that doesn’t mean we can’t do something about it, where and when appropriate, to bounce back and to create more happiness (or at least more positive emotions) as quickly and as often as possible.
So here are just a few thoughts from my morning musings that I hope you find helpful…
- If you’re feeling lost, remember that you’ve been lost before and found your way again; and that sometimes those wrong turns lead to the right destinations
- If you don’t know where to start, just start anywhere, do anything, take small steps then use that momentum to help you find your way
- If you feel like you can’t go on, stop. Pause. It’s OK to take some time out. Just do the best you can to get going again tomorrow, or as soon as you’re able
- If everything seems dark and negative, remind yourself that it’s not. It’s definitely not. There will always be dark and negative in the world, including in your life, but there will also always be light and positivity. Search for the good, focus on what’s going well, take some time to appreciate all you have in your life and all the good people doing good things around the world
- And talking about other people, if you’re feeling lonely or isolated, reach out and ask for help. This thing called life can be hard at times but we don’t have to do it all on our own. Make that call, send that message, connect or reconnect with (especially) that person or those people who support you and lift you up
- There’s a pretty good chance that you’ve been through difficult times before; which also means you’ve survived those difficult times. Which means, you’re strong. You’re a survivor! You’re capable and so much more. Think about what helped you in the past, what strengths and attributes you used, and think how you can apply them here and now
- And finally, do something fun, or silly; even if you don’t feel like it. Put on your favourite song, dance, cook your favourite meal, visit somewhere that brings you joy, get outside and into nature and … do whatever you can to bring some joy into your life, even if just for a few minutes. Because every little bit counts and even just a little bit might be enough to help you turn that corner and start heading back to happiness and positivity
I could go on but … I hope you find these helpful. And if so, I hope you might share this with others who might find it helpful. Either way, keep well and keep striving, Dr Tim