Lockdown 3.0 is fully underway. Three weeks in, I’m fed up and over it. I’m annoyed at the government, annoyed at the people that aren’t following the rules, annoyed that I’ve had to postpone my wedding yet again.. the list goes on. But one thing is for certain.. I am feeling a lot of pent up anger and annoyance.
That’s not healthy and it’s not helpful either. I’ve found that my mood has shifted and that’s certainly impacting my loved ones especially, my partner who has to deal with my mood swings.
I spend a couple of hours yesterday taking some time out on my own after a long walk in the snow thinking about what brings me joy and makes me smile. Of course meditation, positive thinking and gratitude for what we have should and is front and centre but at times – you just need a little pick me up, a little dose of something that brings a smile to your face. Something that makes you chuckle, something that lightens the loads for a little while… we’ve all got those little things and they are different for everyone.
By taking a breath and think about what instantly brings a smile to my face and essentially ‘overloading’ my negativity with that – I managed to lift myself up and remind myself that despite the hard times there is a lot of good to be thankful for.
In this post, I’ve decided to share some things that inspire me, make me life and simply put a smile on my face. With the hope, that reading through them will help lift your mood as they do mine.
The Good Place
I discovered this show a few year ago. It’s not anything life changing but it’s perfect if you’re looking to watch something that will bring a smile to your face and some light relief. I loved watching The Good Place. It’s simple, easy to watch and reminds you what ‘goodness’ really looks like – love, kindness and making time for people that really matter.
Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen by Baz Luhrmann.
This song makes me very nostalgic, not just because of the content but because I used to hear this song everyday in my first year of secondary school – on the bus. It’s a great song, fantastic advice and holds some special life lessons.
I feel this song is almost a roadmap for life.
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of ’97
Wear sunscreen
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it
A long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists
Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
Than my own meandering experience, I will dispense this advice now
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth, oh, never mind
You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth
Until they’ve faded, but trust me, in 20 years, you’ll look back
At photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now
How much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked
You are not as fat as you imagine
Don’t worry about the future
Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing Bubble gum
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind
The kind that blindsides you at 4 p.m. On some idle Tuesday
Do one thing every day that scares you
Saying, don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts
Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours
Floss
Don’t waste your time on jealousy
Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind
The race is long and in the end, it’s only with yourself
Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults, if you succeed in doing this, tell me how
Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements
Stretch
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life.
The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives
Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don’t
Get plenty of calcium
Be kind to your knees
You’ll miss them when they’re gone
Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t
Maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t
Maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the ‘Funky Chicken’
On your 75th wedding anniversary
Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much
Or berate yourself either
Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s
Enjoy your body, use it every way you can
Don’t be afraid of it or what other people think of it
It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your own living room
Read the directions even if you don’t follow them
Do not read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly
Brother and sister together we’ll make it through
Some day a spirit will take you and guide you there
I know you’ve been hurting but I’ve been waiting to be there for you
And I’ll be there just helping you out whenever I can
Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good
Be nice to your siblings, they’re your best link to your past
And the people most likely to stick with you in the future
Understand that friends come and go
But a precious few, who should hold on
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle
For as the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young
Live in New York City once but leave before it makes you hard
Live in northern California once but leave before it makes you soft
Travel
Accept certain inalienable truths
Prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too, will get old
And when you do, you’ll fantasize that when you were young
Prices were reasonable, politicians were noble
And children respected their elders
Respect your elders
Don’t expect anyone else to support you
Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you’ll have a wealthy spouse
But you never know when either one might run out
Never mess too much with your hair
Or by the time you’re 40 it will look 85
Be careful whose advice you buy but be patient with those who supply it
Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past
From the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts
And recycling it for more than it’s worth
But trust me on the sunscreen
LOVE IS GOOD
I came across this post on Instagram a while ago and it made me realise how kind and beautiful ‘love’ is. It makes me smile that someone wouldn’t settle for less than perfect for the one they love.
The Carlton Dance
I grew up watching the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. It’s one of the greatest shows ever in my opinion and this scene is my favourite. I’ve watched it over and over again. It’s just pure enjoyment – Carlton living his best life.
BEST PHOTO EVER
I love this photo. A picture speaks a thousand words and this says a lot. If we never the bad, how do we know the good… exactly.
My Nephews
Family should your go to when you need support, good honest truth or simply a hug. The kids in family are the ‘fun’. My nephews are pure joy to me and looking at photos where I’ve shared happy moments with them, reminds me of my good life.
When I talk about the concept of being a ‘good human’ – it’s not all about ethical living and sustainable – it’s about being good to yourself too and realising that not everyday is going to be the best, but there are moment that can make life exceptional.
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