The world is a weird place right now. I have met so many people struggling with life recently. Struggling financially, struggling emotionally or dealing with awful physical stuff.
It can feel like you are drowning in a deep pool. The fatigue is real and lots of people and industries are finding things 'hard'.
My daughters both learnt ballet from a very traditional and strict ballet teacher. The teacher taught her students everything in French. As well as learning very precise new moves they also had loads of new terminology to get their heads around.
After each class, I would ask the girls what they learnt. My youngest daughter, Tilly, was seven years old and came home to show me her latest learning. Standing on her tippy toes with both arms stretched above her head. I asked Tilly what her new position was called and she replied, "It's called the hard bit!"
There are a lot of people living in ‘the hard bit’ right now. Life is a bit shit for many people I speak to. Some are dealing with business stress, some with illness, and some feel stuck or completely paralysed about where to turn or what to do.
Life is tough. We have people who depend on us, responsibilities to manage, and expectations to meet. We all have struggles and challenges to overcome.
It's funny how offended people get when life gets tough. There is an audacity that ‘life should not be hard for me’. I think that it's arrogant to assume that life is easy. Living well takes courage.
The game of life is not for the faint-hearted!
Here are my tips for getting through hard bits:
Connection - Getting out and being with other people can make a huge difference. Sometimes it's what you least feel like, but it has benefits. Reaching out to someone who feels safe and welcoming is ideal but going and taking part in a community event, where you know no one can also boost your mood and remind you that there are other people out in the world!
Action - I love that action keeps the darkness away. Making an appointment, going somewhere or doing something can help to move you away from a slump or at least activate some energy.
Notice - What makes you happy? Notice the things that you love looking at, smelling, listening to, touching and tasting. Create a list of your favourite things to see, smell, hear, touch and taste. I love watching bumble bees, smelling violets, listening to birds, touching cashmere or silk and tasting coffee or custard! These are all simple things that aren't hard for me to access.
New - I love new things. Learning new things, finding new things (old things count! I love a second-hand shop to find new treasures). Try cooking a new recipe, eating something you have never tried before. New things keep us fresh!
Nourish - Self-nurturing is a wonderful skill. Wrap yourself in a blanket. Make a cup of hot chocolate. Boil up a broth or chop up a brightly coloured bowl of vege. Watch an inspiring documentary. Feeding ourselves with food, inspiration, and kindness makes us feel safe and loved.
Generosity - Do for someone else what you wish someone would do for you! Give them some money, cook them a meal or do a small random act of kindness. Helping others helps us. There is always someone worse off who could do with your kindness.
These are similar to the Mental Health - Five Ways to Wellbeing
Connect (Me whakawhanaunga)
Be active (Me kori tonu)
Keep learning (Me ako tonu)
Take notice (Me aro tonu)
Give (Tukua)
Look after yourself,
Lisa