Happiness comes in many forms and ways. For you, it may be the sound of a child's laughter. For others, it comes as the salty, windy air at the beach or a clean house and all the bills paid.
Whatever your 'piece' of happiness is, it needs to find its way into your daily life. Simple moments of 'ah' are an automatic refresh button. Now the task is, how can you make them happen every day?
I pose a question for you. What is the priority in your life at this moment? Is it making a difference in the world, finding your true love, gaining peace at work, losing five pounds? Or perhaps as you view the overall state of the world trying to keep calm amid so much happening.
You are going through the emotional wrecking ball of caring for a loved one while trying to hopscotch through days avoiding stressful or negative situations. You feel it coming: the wave of angst, the tension, the wrestling in your sleep, the snapping for no reason.
I know those days, well. And I also know that it is necessary to find ways to stop. Whether it's for an hour, an afternoon, or an entire day, unplugging with serious downtime is essential.
Even years post caregiving, I've continued to weave in the practice of self-care. This past weekend my computer stayed off, my phone was on for calls or texts only, and I turned on the TV to watch two movies. I listened to music, went for walks, and wove in a fun pastime that I haven't done in years: putting together a puzzle. (Ok, I started putting together a puzzle. It's 1,000 pieces, so this will be a process.)
As I sat immersed in the sorting and piecing, singing along to the country music playing (southern girl here), I found myself at such peace. It was a wonderful yet simple way of weaving in peaceful mindfulness, and the aftereffects still linger.
Something as simple as a puzzle can change your outlook. It won't do the dishes for you or solve world problems, but it surely can stop the racing mind and add a bit of balance to your life.
B-R-E-A-T-H-E y’all.
Hugs, Cyndi Mariner
Breathing Spaces
