What Are You Happy About?
Do you find yourself feeling guilty for having moments of pleasure, enjoying a meal, company, a beautiful day because you know others are suffering during this pandemic? You’re not alone.
Survivor’s Guilt?
As COVID continues to change the way we are used to living, many of us are suffering from something akin to “survivor’s guilt.” We feel badly that we haven’t suffered as others have through this pandemic.
I want to reassure you. It’s okay to be happy. To put your stake in the ground and declare, “I am happy. I will not let this pandemic steal my joy.”
Not quite ready to declare your happiness completely? That’s okay too. These are times that lend themselves to mixed feelings. We feel normal for a spell and lose sight of the pandemic. Then the next moment, we feel sad, a sense of malaise because for most of us things are so not normal.
If you’re on the other end of the happiness spectrum and truly feeling sad or depressed most of the time, then I urge you friend to please reach out to a trusted friend or counselor. You do not have to suffer alone.
Choose Your Happy
I’d like to suggest each and every day, whether we “feel” happy or not, we choose something to be happy about, or choose to do something that brings us happiness. This does not have to be a big investment of time or energy. However, this small deposit, will reap the rewards of a more positive attitude over time. And honestly, that kind of attitude adjustment is good for you…good for those you’re close to…and even good for the whole world.
Here are a few simple suggestions for getting your happy on. Try one each day for the next five days:
Look through some photos of people you love and those you have lighthearted fun with
Get a beach book and read it for at least a few minutes each day (Even you, mama! Snag 10 minutes in the bathroom.)
Take three deep breaths. In to the count of five, out to the count of five. You’ll feel calmer and that lifts our spirits.
If you’re knee-deep in kid-raising, pay attention while you read one of your child’s silly books. Win-win! Your happy and your child is too.
Step outside – notice the light, a butterfly, flower, even the raindrops that bring life...and smile:)
You, becoming a little happier by choosing happiness each day, can make a little ripple in the sea of life that makes this world a better place for all.
What will you do today to choose your happy? I’d love you to share!