When you are ready to start on your journey of change, you need to create a strong foundation to step from.
Life serves up all kinds of challenges, and most times we don’t have control over what these are.
Last week was one of those times I observed how life can serve up a multiple of challenging events. I’d just be working through one challenge and then wham, the next thing would hit.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back during times of adversity, and being able to move forward and learn from experiences in a positive way. I like to think of our resilience as one of those clown skittles with the round bottom and when we get knocked over, we eventually just self right. We all have the ability for self righting, but sometimes we can be hit so far over that it is hard to bounce straight back up again. At these times we must be prepared to ask for help, and be compassionate and patient with ourselves, as self righting can take time.
We all experience change and challenge at some time and we can foster our own resilience, and improve how we cope by implementing these fun and simple practices in our everyday life.
Surround yourself with positive happy people. Laughter and humor provide feelings of optimism and fun and are really great for our emotional wellbeing. Spending time with the people and the things you love help you feel brighter and more connected. There is tremendous healing and personal growing power in talking to others and busying yourself doing things you love.
Spend time on a hobby, a passion or try something new. Delve into your childhood memories for some of the activities you used to really enjoy or do something you have always wanted to try. Having an activity that you enjoy doing will help lift your mood and help you reenergize and recharge. The joy of gardening, playing tennis, getting out in nature, coffee with friends, or listening to music are my sure rescuers when the going gets tough.
Take time to stock take. Write a personal rescue list of things that uplift your spirits and inspire you. I call this a “joy list”. Bring it out when you need it or better still, try to do something from your list everyday. One of the things on my joy list is my simple “pot of tea” a little ceremony that I enjoy every morning.
A friend and mentor suggests a fabulous file – gather the things that inspire and support you, little cards, letter’s, emails, photographs, that make you feel awesome. Keep them together in a box or a file and bring this out when you need uplifting and affirmation.
I look at my fabulous file when I am about to do something challenging and scary in my work, it gives me the affirmation I need to approach the situation with confidence and certainty.
Calm your heart and your mind. Learn relaxation skills and learn to listen and connect with your inner self. What is your favourite way of becoming more relaxed? You may like to consider other ways to relax that will work for you. Walking, journaling, yoga, and meditation are all ways I have found valuable to relax and connect with my inner self.
Happiness is a state of mind cultivated from within. Like training your body to become stronger and more flexible, building happiness requires planning, patience and persistence.
I find gratitude, and being thankful for everything that comes into my life helps me to notice abundance and to feel good. Try practicing gratitude and everyday list five things you are grateful for.