Three Good Things
by Mary Jo
This is a revised version of a blog I did way back in 2006, the first year of the Word Wenches. It's been a lot of years, but the same ideas are still worthwhile.
I think the transitions seasons of spring and autumn are the loveliest of the year. In the northern hemisphere we have spring and lush richness of new life. In the southern hemisphere it's autumn, with the last nostalgic flare of beauty before sliding into winter.
But now we're dealing with the challenges of a pandemic, and a lot of stress goes with that. Financial problems, cabin fever, way too much uncertainty, perhaps worst of all, not being able to hug people we love unless they're living with us.
So I’m here to offer, if not a cure, at least a palliative. <G> Jo Beverley once mentioned a study she’d read about that showed that even pessimistic people started feeling happier if they did exercises that required them to write down positive things in their lives-- events and people they were grateful for, times when they felt good about themselves. Consciously appreciating and thinking positively even raised their happiness scale six months down the road.
A simple form of this exercise is to relax and think of three good things that happened to you today. Maybe you can do it when you go to bed, rather than thinking of all the stuff that needs to be done tomorrow. Only three good things.
One of the difficulties of the pandemic is losing our usual routines and the casual community of people we see regularly, with whom we exchange smiles and comments about the weather.
One such community is the people we see when we go the hairdresser or barber. Not only do we miss the friendly connections, but lack of personal grooming means we don't look our best selves when we look into a mirror. (Sorry I can't credit this image--it's a Facebook meme that seems to keep adding new variations on the Mona Lisa. Do you fit into any of these squares? <G>)
Well, today's great thing was being able to go to my hairdresser, whom I've been seeing for over 30 years! Her receptionist called last week to see if I'd come in today, their first day of reopening, and I said YES!!! As I expected, the shop was using all safety precautions, the atmosphere was cheerful, and one stylist I said hi to is the woman who rescued my Panda Cat from homelessness.
AND I now look like the self I'm used to!
Another Good Thing: the Mayhem Consultant visited a friend he used to work with and they had lemonade and pastries in her garden. She sent me back this lovely bouquet from her garden, with country flowers and branchlets of red maple saplings. Gorgeous! (This picture doesn't do it justice.)
And when I got home today, I saw a brilliant red cardinal winging his way skyward from the grass by the garage. I sometimes see them in the winter, but I don't seeing one in blazing crimson at this season. Lovely!
So what good thing/s have happened to you today? Yes, you can count a perfect piece of chocolate as A Very Good Thing!
And may you have no shortage of good things to brighten your day!
Mary Jo, adding a picture of the Panda Cat