The biggest thing that helps us through the challenging times we face is the toolbox that we have in our back pocket. This toolbox lets us face life knowing we have the know-how to get through the rise and fall of life. The most important thing is that you find the tools that work for you. So here are three tools that you can give a try.
The Positive Jar
The Exercise: A visual way to collect “hidden gems” throughout the year.
How to do it: Get a jar. Fill it with notes, post-its, quotes, or ticket stubs of every positive thing that happens to you. On New Year’s Eve, open the jar and read all the good things that happened to you!
The Gratitude Journal
The Exercise: A daily practice to shift your brain’s focus from what went wrong to what went right.
How to do it: Each night, write down 3-10 things you are grateful for. It helps you notice the mall good things that are happening even on hard days.
The “Even Though” Flip
The Exercise: A mental shift to find a “gem” in the middle of a mess.
How to do it: When something goes wrong, find one “Even Though” statement. Simply state the hard thing, then add “even though…” followed by a tiny win.
- Scenario: You stayed up too late dealing with a restless child, and now you’re exhausted and behind on your to-do list.
- The Flip: “I am incredibly tired and my house is a mess, even though the extra time I spent sitting in the dark with my son made him feel safe enough to finally fall asleep.”
- Reasoning: It acknowledges the “manure” but highlights the “gem” (connection.) It shifts the narrative from “I’m failing at my schedule” to “I’m succeeding at being a supportive parent.”
Choosing to be happy is a practice, not just a feeling. It is a practice you will build on each day.
Image for graphic by:
Kristina Flour on Unsplash