Choosing hope over fear is a tall task, especially after Wednesday’s events. Let’s face it; it’s been a tough year.
Among all the chaos and the stress, life still happens, some sad things, yes, but there’s good stuff happening too. I’m not talking about babies, graduations, or weddings. Those are certainly great, beautiful things.
I’m talking about the little things, the small wins.
I took our son to his annual physical this week, and he grew 2 1/2 inches this year. I couldn’t believe it. It’s not always easy to see the growth day-to-day, but it’s happening, and we shouldn’t forget all the fantastic, small things that give us hope every day.
Here are seven ways to help you choose hope:
Find a new recipe. NYTimes Cooking has so many excellent (and easy) options to awaken your taste buds, and it will lift your spirit to try something new.
Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while to say hello and check-in. It will warm their heart and yours too.
Attach a bird feeder to your kitchen window or place one in your backyard and marvel at the beautiful birds that flutter to it to find food.
Take a walk with a neighbor. The crisp, fresh air will energize you, and the connection will give you a lift.
Play a board game. If I’m honest, playing board games doesn’t immediately light my soul on fire, but once I’m in and playing, it takes my mind off any stress I may be feeling.
Stop watching the news. It’s a difficult task because it requires you to keep the TV off and stop picking up your phone. I promise you; it will make a massive difference in your anxiety level.
Go upside down. Anytime you can turn yourself upside down, you will calm your nerves and change your perspective. Prasarita Padottanasana is one of my favorite poses to turn myself upside down.
There are a multitude of ways to find hope if you’re open to it. Do you find hope in the little things? I’d love to know. Leave me a comment below.
Image by 🎄Merry Christmas 🎄 from Pixabay