I know you may already have a list of goals but hear me out. Often, we come up with goals around health and wealth which are completely fine. But we forget to do the small things that make life that much more meaningful. As John Lennon said,
“Life is what happens when we’re so busy making plans.”
This post is about ordinary things that can uplift our moods and make us smile. This is simply a reminder of what is around you that can bring you a little more joy and life. These are the tiny lift-me-ups of life. You can keep this list and do one thing a day or at random. There are no rules here.
Drink a lot of water. Hydration helps regulate your body temperature, improves sleep quality, mental function, and mood, prevents infection, flushes out toxins, and keeps your skin smooth.
Go outside and feel the sunshine on your skin. This is the easiest way to trigger your happy hormone serotonin in your brain which improves your well-being and keeps you calm, and positive.
Notice the small things. Like how the wind feels on your skin. How do your feet feel on the ground? The sunset. People’s smiles. The birds chirping in the morning.
Curate a playlist with all your favorite songs. Make it your go-to happy place when you’re having a tough time or just need to calm down.
Take one step at a time. Live each day as it comes. Handle one problem at a time. Open one tab in your mind at a time. Keep things simple.
Unplug from your phone. It could be for an hour a day or taking a weekend away from your phone. Reduce your digital dependency by being more present.
Take a walk. Leave your phone at home preferably. Aim at noticing things in your environment without feeling the need to take pictures. Take it all in while in your walk.
Live in gratitude. Appreciate all your small and big blessings. A constant state of gratitude is where you are fully aware of all your privileges and you stay thankful for them.
Compliment others. Tell someone they look good or have done a great job. Teach yourself to see the good in people and be vocal about it. Make someone’s day.
Write down your feelings or talk about them. Both are healthy outlets for heavy emotions. Don’t bottle up your emotions when you can release them.
Do nice things for yourself. Reward yourself for merely existing because being a human being is not an easy thing. You deserve your love.
Smile at yourself in the mirror. Think of yourself as the most beautiful person you’ve ever seen. Declare it too and before you know it, your confidence will shoot so high.
Say “No” as a complete sentence. It doesn’t need to be followed by an explanation. If you don’t wish to do something, say no and keep it moving.
Explore your curiosity. Write down all those things you wonder about. Google them or do them. If you’re curious about a place; show up there to see for yourself.
Don’t be afraid to fall in love or start new flames. You’ll never know if it’s meant to be if you don’t try. Strike up a conversation if you like them. Give your heart a chance.
Don’t forget that ice cream makes everything better. Or whatever your comfort food is. You may have to drive 20 minutes to go get it but the joy is worth it.
Say “I Love You” as often as you can. We don’t have forever so let people know exactly how they make you feel. Be loud about your love and show it too.
Give back to people in need. Volunteer in your community. Go to the homeless shelters. Spare some change for someone on the street. Look for ways to give more.
Listen to understand not to respond. Be present in the conversations to understand people’s points of view and thought processes. Ask more questions.
Read more books. There are entire universes buried in books – go there. Read genres you love and that make you feel better.
Keep your promises to yourself. You are the longest commitment of your life. Be a dependable person you can count on.
Try therapy. Go in for like 3 sessions and see what happens in therapy. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make in your life.
Say what you mean and mean what you say. Your words are powerful. You can build or break with them. Don’t waste your precious words on things you don’t mean to say.
Keep on doing the shower and car concerts. You are the celebrity and the main character in your life so please sing your heart out loud and pretend to be in music videos.
Challenge fear and anxiety. When you ask yourself, “What if I fall?” Always follow up with, “What if I fly?”
Kiss your babies. They grow up so fast and soon they might not let you touch them so kiss them all you can right now and hug their little bodies.
Schedule date days. Go on as many dates as you can with your spouse, kids, friends, and families. Make excuses to go on dates because why not?
Filter your social media accounts. Follow people who bring you joy, teach you something, make you feel validated, and of course us @gabbycaressfl
Tell others about opportunities. If you know something would benefit someone, don’t even think twice about telling them. We’re not gatekeeping information this year.
Supplement self-care with community care. Lean on your community for support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Work on strengthening or mending your relationships.
“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” – John Wooden