SMALL GOOD THINGS | January
We are now a month shy of 700 days under the restrictions caused by the pandemic, a challenge for all of us. It has been hard to not give in to cynicism (a la Don’t Look Up) while hoping those charged with our collective care, who continue to repeat mistakes, finally figure it out and end these conditions. We are all tired of this hamster wheel.
I don’t know about you, but my way of coping with stress and anxiety has habitually been by making a plan: using my calendar and writing a list. I also want to focus on the good, the positive, the areas of my life where I can express gratitude - not tinged with hope but with genuine heartfelt joy.
Making a plan during a pandemic has proven to be a challenge, I’ve learned that though plans can be made, they have to be loose. No one should be upset or surprised by cancellations! As a result, I truly live in “now”. I’ve released the past, my last “normal” with thanks and hope that the next “normal” does not resemble it. I’ve released attachment to the future, I’m truly embracing a Que Sera Sera attitude - that and I’ve released attachment to the form the future will take. It is what it is. What a relief!
Can you have goals if you’re firmly planted in the present?
I think you can - they just need to serve you, the best you, in the here and now. I have big goals for the year ahead, between my 22 for 2022 and dream board, there’s plenty to focus on. But, while those are all valid, and likely doable, now that I’ve settled into the groove of January for my first real winter here in Southampton, there are a few small good things that will bring me joy. Small incremental progress is still progress. I can only do what I can with what I have.
ONE | Keep showing up and dare to ask for more of myself, my life, and 2022.
TWO | Meditate every day - 20 minutes in the morning and another 20 minutes in the evening.
THREE | Cook at least two new-to-me recipes each week. If they’re super good, take a photo and send it off to the kids with the recipe.
FOUR | Face and overcome my reticence over learning lessons via video rather than via .pdf - so many courses are visual! Maybe even listen to a podcast or two?
FIVE | Stretch using the reformer Pilates machine every day, and attend classes twice each week (it’s past time to get my right hip unstuck!).
This short list of small good things should keep me going through the month. It certainly felt good to get tangible accomplishable tasks written down. Now to execute - and remember to be gentle with myself through the process. Through the grace of mistakes is how we learn, right?
What are some small good things you can do to feel accomplished during these seemingly endless tedious times?