So things have not been great lately, or since 2019 really. We can all agree on that, right? Words like swimmingly or spectacular or super fantastic are not being bandied around at the same rate that they were back in 2019, I would imagine. I might be wrong. There might be a research study out there that says I’m wrong. But I’m talking about what I’m seeing and hearing from my clients, colleagues, and friends. It’s what I’m hearing from the amazing people who joined me in the February Reset.
Good things are still happening and we are practicing gratitude because those good things are keeping us going.
But the fatigue. The fatigue is what I hear about the most. The tiredness, the brain fog, the weird feeling of losing track of time. The unloading and reloading of the dishwasher. I bet the dishwashers are actually the most fatigued. They haven’t seen this kind of use in years, maybe ever. And they got no warning. Neither did we. I think that’s a big part of the fatigue, that we’re all struggling to figure out how the world works right now, how to adapt to the constantly changing changes and that’s not easy. So what do we do?
“When you find yourself with some extra time, instead of scrolling on your phone or through Netflix, ask yourself, what is the kinder thing to do right now? What is the thing I can do that will make me smile? And then, 3, 2, 1 Go!”
Tomorrow is Random Acts of Kindness Day and I want to expand on the idea, really stretch it out.
Yes, let’s practice kindness to others in ways they might not expect it tomorrow. Practicing kindness towards others on a regulate basis is something to strive for, and also what if you thought about random things you could do to make yourself and others feel better?
Yes, we’re giving ourselves permission to rest more, and we’re working on better self care. Those are great, but they can also feel like more things to add to our already long lists .
I’m talking about a mindful decision to do something different, something that invigorates you, mixes things up, and makes you smile. It’s going to take some extra effort, but it could be worth it. Do you have an extra 20 minutes in your schedule? What happens if you just stand up and go for a walk? Listen to some music that reminds you of a good day? Treat yourself to a smoothie or a snack you don’t usually buy and take the time to actually really sit and enjoy it. Have an hour? Meet a friend for that walk, or see if you can stop by for a visit, bring them a treat, sit and talk, and listen, and maybe even laugh.
I’m sure there are a million things we can all do. I’m challenging you to see what you can come up with this week. When you find yourself with some extra time, instead of scrolling on your phone or through Netflix, ask yourself, what is the kinder thing to do right now? What is the thing I can do that will make me smile? And then, 3, 2, 1 Go! No over planning, or over complicating.
Plan for it to be completely random and see what happens. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures! Keep me updated, let me know what you come up with, and take good care! Xo, Meg
Meg Leahy, MS, NCC, BCC 