Just over four years ago, I wrote a post titled… It’s Bat Shit Crazy Out There… Here’s How to Feel 10% Better About Everything.
I thought the 10% thing was catchy. My proposition was that we weren’t that far from “things are going to be fine.” But WOW! It sure feels like I missed that one. What do you think?
Do you feel better than you did four years ago?
I thought things were getting bad back then. But that was before the pandemic. We had nonexistent inflation. Folks were getting testy, but full-blown division was only beginning to rumble. So, looking back I’d have to say life was relatively mild.
And now? We’ve got, well… NOW!
Fast-forward four years, and like most everyone, I’m needing some really solid reassurance I can grab onto before I can feel better about any of this mayhem. How about you?
Here’s the simple message I’m tossing out there for you to ponder as you navigate our noisy, mixed-up world:
In times like these, where so many things are beyond our control, we can still focus on the good stuff. You know, what’s most important to us.
Finding simple ways to feel better is easier than we might think.
And you’re not gonna believe where I found this!
Knowledge, insight, and just plain good ideas can show up in unexpected places if we let ourselves notice them.
Posted on the wall in the men’s room in a Santa Fe favorite restaurant and margarita haven known as “Tiny’s” was a simple public service announcement from Santa Fe County. Before I reveal the title, I want to suggest that it could apply to any of the throngs of daily stressors that have exhausted us to our limits.
And although the poster read, “COVID STRESS IS REAL,” I’m going to say it might well have read, “WHATEVER YOU’RE FEELING IS REAL!” and be more fitting.
Their message is simple…
Living with (insert your current cause of exhaustion) is part of daily life. [And it likely will be for a while.] So, be sure to…
- Control what you can
- Cope with stress by taking care of yourself
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthy
- Get plenty of sleep
- Talk to people
- Do activities you enjoy
- Take a break from watching or reading the news
Source: Santa Fe County’s “COVID STRESS IS REAL” poster
Did you see #6 coming? We cut way back on that one during the heat of the pandemic, didn’t we? Talking to others helps us get out of our own heads. Maybe think about calling your friend instead of just sending a text—or get together over coffee.
These tips may sound like an oversimplification. Just keep in mind the simple stuff usually works best. Besides, with more complicated approaches, we usually don’t even try.
Try to keep in mind for most parts of life, it’s a journey we’re on.
It’s an ongoing process…
So, let yourself enjoy the journey the best you can. Yep, even this part. Work out the kinks with whatever works for you. And trust yourself enough to know that you just need to take care of yourself and keep moving forward.
The idea is to keep doing just a little bit better.
It’s a crazy, mixed-up world—try not to add to the mayhem and confusion yourself. The untucked way is to give yourself and others a break.
And cut yourself enough slack to know that when you slip up or take a step, or two, or a few backward… that’s okay too.
Before you know it, you’ll be feeling much more than 10% better.
Be untucked.
p.s. Know someone who might like this post? You can share by using the social media buttons at the top or bottom of the post. Thanks…
p.p.s. See you at Tiny’s for a margarita!
Copyright © 2022 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved
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