Thursday Thoughts
I have to make my own happiness. This doesn’t mean I can’t have help from others, or rely on them sometimes, but I need to work within to bring my own natural joy out first and foremost.
I’ve been kind of letting the negative in life take me out. The chores, the absurd cost of living, and various doom around the globe have infiltrated my joy. So, I am working to compartmentalize and to have a duality - I can be frustrated about things but still enjoy other things. I can hate the way people are destroying one another in various ways, but I’m still allowed to enjoy the sunrise or various cultural events.
I have recently started walking to the Tillikum Crossing bridge in the morning. I’m trying my damndest to see the sunrise as often as possible, and it’s paying off. Having an objective that brings me joy adds a level of contentment to my whole day. Seeing that bridge with cotton candy clouds gives me a physical reaction I can’t hide - a big smile. I get giddy with a sunrise, and I want to feel that way about more things.
Seek things that make you feel good, even if things are on fire around you. Secure your own oxygen mask first, and then help others with theirs. It’s not selfish to do things to make yourself feel good, despite what we were made to believe.
#MondayMotivation - A little structure
Good Monday morning to you! (or whatever time it is when you read this)
I’ve been on the struggle bus when it comes to what to do with myself. August has me feeling a little off - physically, emotionally, and mentally. I’m doing some goal setting and thought I’d share a little of that with y’all - maybe you’re feeling a similar kind of way, maybe not?
These are my goals for the rest of August and September. I’ll probably evaluate my progress towards the middle or end of September and adjust as necessary.
I’m trying to give myself a little structure because that’s how I thrive. Find goals that work for your brain and life.
Physical:
Continue my 3 days of lifting per week
Walk the trail near my house at least 5 days per week
Take Chewy on a long walk in the evening (more than the usual neighborhood jaunt)
Hike somewhere new once per week
Stretch or beginner yoga daily (my new coach has me stretching and it’s crazy how much it helps)
Try to get to bed in a way that gets me at least 8 hours of sleep/downtime
Schedule an eye exam and get new glasses
Get on a waitlist for a local doctor or find one in Seattle/Portland and drive
Plan meals and roughly (or specifically) track food/drink
Emotional:
Find a new therapist - I’ve been struggling with this one, as my current therapist kind of dropped the ball and wasn’t really doing much for me
Record and reflect on what I’m grateful for every day
Follow through on the physical points (really helps my brain)
Connect more with friends - call or text different people a few times per week
Establish a boundary when things become too much
Mental:
A lot of the emotional and physical points will assist with the mental
Find an online course or certificate program (first stage: research)
Read a book - I have a couple in my queue but this goal is to make the time each day to accomplish an entire book
Getting some kind of routine setup for the daily grind
If you’ve made it through, thanks for reading. What are some of your goals or tricks for feeling good? I hope you have a great week ahead. —Mike
