Life has really thrown some hard punches at us all in 2020. For me, as an Australian, it all started in 2019 with the horrendous bushfires, the drought and, for the finale, came COVID-19. That was bad enough and then came the riots. So much hatred and violence in the world has got me asking myself why did I ever sign up for this project called life? Do you feel the same? When I think things are rough I look backwards in history and recall the dreadful things humans have always done to each other and I accept it really is all part of the journey.
Coronavirus really caused some upheaval in my life and I had to move to an isolated property in the country for a while. Today I am feeling a little lonely, so I put into practice what I preach.
Here are my five things you can do to lift your spirits when you feel bored, lonely or frustrated with life.
Exercise
When I had my second child (over 24 years ago now) I put on a bit of weight and suffered postnatal depression. One day I was whining about it and my husband told me to start exercising. So I handed him the baby and went for a jog. Within months, I was super fit again and my postnatal depression had gone. You do not have to run a marathon to exercise, you absolutely have to do something though! Currently I love walking and yoga. I also love lifting weights and now that the gyms are open again I am heading back there this week.
Contribute
By that I mean, do something for someone else or for the planet. It doesn't matter what it is, as an example you can:
Pick up litter
Visit an elderly neighbour
Volunteer
Share your art to the world
Tell someone how much you appreciate them
And the list goes on. Right now, stop and think what tiny little thing can you do to contribute to the wellbeing of GAIA and her people and make a difference?
Ambience
I'm a neat, clean person and clutter and dirt, make me unhappy. My home, no matter where it has been, has always been my sanctuary. I do not care if it is because I rent or own the place (paying off a mortgage I should say); wherever I live I want a beautiful zen and gorgeous smelling home. This is why I light candles, keep it clean (I just bought myself a robot vacuum and it is one of the outstanding products I have ever spent my money on). Make your home a place of tranquility with lots of beautiful vibes. And, do not forget the outside of the home with beautiful plants or pot plants. It doesn't cost a lot to create a tranquil home these days with so many beautiful products on the market.
Nature
If you are reading this blog you are probably like-minded and love nature like I do. Whenever I feel blue, I always take myself into nature. I live in a very beautiful country location, it is isolated, but surrounded by rivers and forests that are astonishing. I'm a 20-minute country drive to the coastal beaches and bushwalks. Go and stand in nature and feel the buzz!
And what If you live in a city? Then find a park or botanical garden. Maybe even a garden centre? If that is not possible, then watch nature shows or listen to a nature meditation.
Gratitude and mindfulness
Every spiritual teacher will tell you that gratefulness and mindfulness are the key to happiness. Simply by writing this post I have lifted my own spirits after a monotonous day because I have 'contributed' by writing the post and sharing my feelings and I have realised that I have so much to be grateful for that. I can wander in nature whenever I want and my home is beautiful, smells Divine and I have a huge garden to look after. I love yoga and practice each day, I meditate, I have two beautiful daughters, a busy website design business and so much more. Yes, gratitude brings me back down to earth.
Life is good.
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