I haven’t been sure about what to write about this week. I am feeling weary. My social media is filled with angry opinions about the current status of the world, everywhere I go I am bombarded by information and it seems there is not a lot of positivity at the moment. I find myself constantly looking for ways to find peace in a world that has been turned upside down.
This week has been incredibly stressful at work. We have had a technical glitch that has been causing an unusual issue which is adding hours to my day. I am transitioning roles into my dream job but also training someone. I feel as though I can’t quite give everything my full attention. On top of that, the world is slightly crazy and it seems the virus is still all anyone is talking about. It makes my brain tired.
I am Blessed
When I walked out the door this morning I noticed the light breaking through the clouds and illuminating the blossoming tree next door. Then I noticed I could smell the ocean on the breeze as it gently teased my face. I went back into the house and appreciate the quietness of the morning and the fact that I have a roof over my head. My daughter had come out of her room and put the heater on for me and I realised not for the first time just how blessed we are. As I went into my room, I noticed that my husband had folded all of the washing.
Five Things to be Thankful For
I knew straight away what I was going to write about. Yes, We are living in an unprecedented time, Yes it can be uncertain and everything is unfamiliar. Life is uncertain, it is hard to book trips, see family and make long-term plans, but my challenge to you in the middle of this is what are you thankful for? Make a list. Start with five things, and then add one every single day. I didn’t even have to try to find five things today.
Overwhelming? Change Your Habits
If you are finding that it all overwhelms you, I encourage you to change your habits. I have always woken up, scrolled Facebook, Instagram and then flicked over to News.com to see what is going on on the news. I have stopped doing that. It isn’t because it scares me or overwhelms me necessarily, but the pandemic is permeating every single moment of my day and I really felt like I had to put in a boundary around the amount of content I feed my brain.
There are many things I can’t control at the moment. There are things I can control though. I am in control of how I speak to people. I am in control of what I post on my social media, who I follow, what I allow into my mind, and how I respond to others. Is it loving? My attitude in stressful times is under my control. I can control what I choose to focus on. I can control if I am kind to the person serving me at the checkout.
In a world where everything is changing, embrace the things that are familiar and safe. Find small things to be thankful for in your every day. If you are struggling with everything that is happening at the moment, talk to someone. Don’t try to cope on your own. I have included a couple of links below that have helpful information and resources.
Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Article supplied with thanks to 1079life.
About the Author: Lorrene is an author and photographer from Natural Hope Photography.
Feature image: Photo by Tj Holowaychuk on Unsplash