21st century first world living is full of comfort and conveniences. Electricity. Indoor plumbing. Free public education. But it is easy to feel overwhelmed, and news headlines are overwhelmingly negative. How do you find the good in life?
How Do You Find the Good in Life?
What You'll Find on This Page
I don’t think we should ignore the world’s problems. We need to be aware of what is happening so that we can work to make things better. But we can only make things better if we know what better looks like! Here are some things I do to find the good in life:
Pay attention to your life.
I have kept a journal for most of my life, and have written every single day for over a decade now. Although I do record setbacks and lessons learned, I find that journaling helps me be mindful of my everyday life. That focus helps me see the good things that happen.
Make a gratitude list.
I have a small book where I write down things I am grateful for. Many of the things on the list are very simple: smiles, trees, green grass, rainbows, my kids, sewing, indoor plumbing (I really love that one), my washing machine… When I feel really down, tI make myself sit down and find something new to write in this book – and it has to be something I haven’t written down before. That rule forces me to think (good for engaging the thinking brain instead of giving in entirely to the emotional brain). It also means that I have to read through the list – reminding myself of all that I have.
Laugh.
Laughter is an amazing medicine! Laughing helps us release relax, reducing anxiety and stress.
Get inspired.
Find an inspirational book, video, or song. Then read, watch, and listen.
Go outside.
I find it much easier to focus on the positives when I am surrounded by nature.
Help someone.
It makes the world a better place – creating instant good-ness in life.
Smile.
Smiling actually makes you feel happier!
Your Turn.
How do you find the joy in life?
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MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
I always attempt to create journals and the like, but I never keep them up, primarily because I’d try handwriting them and I rather dislike handwriting materials.
Mine is digital :)
I’m so impressed with your journaling habits, and I like your tip for not letting emotions take over. They are so fickle! Sometimes I have to drag my emotions along with my will, but that is so much better than being ruled by how I feel that moment.
I find that having little people, particularly babies, around reminds me of what is really essential (and often quite humorous), and helps me focus on others rather than getting totally wrapped up in what I want/need/feel. Showing love to others is truly life-giving!