We are hardwired to focus on the negative. It’s a prehistoric adaptation to be on the look out for danger. But this constant negativity is no longer necessary and only reinforces bad habits, unhelpful and unresourceful thoughts and behaviour. It’s like Rick Hanson, psychologist and best-selling author of Hardwiring Happiness says "the brain is like Velcro for negative experiences, but Teflon for positive ones."
Unless we bring mindful awareness.
My new life coach is encouraging me to celebrate small wins.
So, I am making a list of ways I can celebrate small wins. The little things I might do well, make a strong choice or just, make it through a day. And to be honest, in what seems a never-ending Melbourne lockdown, some days this feels like an achievement worthy of celebrating. Making this list and sticking it up beside my bed means when I a can be more aware of these small wins then I can celebrate them and reinforce that I am doing well, I am worthy, I am making progress, and getting stronger. And just like I have found with gratitude practice, when you are on the lookout for things, you find them. This is a way of noticing what I am doing well, what I am choosing to focus on, and saying to myself, well done, good on you, pat yourself on the back, look at you go girlfriend. And that makes me feel good.
Here is my list!
Note: I made a conscious effort to try and NOT include ones that were focuses on food/drinking/online purchase – three of my lockdown vices that I want to curtail!
· Tell someone. I fear we never want to come across as bragging but we probably all have that close friend or family member who would whoop with delight when we tell them about a small win.
· Buy myself flowers, or another indoor plant (do I need another? - ummm. Yes, of course I do! Remember they purify the air?) and I do love watching as a new plant settles in and starts to spout new leaves.
· Have a bath/spa/massage (when available!!)
· Read a book (or even buy a book...I can easily convince myself that buying books is good for the local economy and has been a go-to lockdown luxury online purchase!!)
· Go for a walk – getting out in nature has so many benefits – and if you don’t believe me, check out this awesome new docu-series on ABC #BackToNatureAU
· Plan our next holiday (we have done this and had them rearranged a few times in the past 2 years!!)
· Put on some gorgeous essential oils – on my body, in the diffuser, in a candle – breath in the love!
· Go out for a nice meal/coffee w family/friends (explore the takeaway options when in lockdown!) ...adding this as this can still be healthy!!!
· Something with music – maybe it’s a little wiggle or shake, maybe belting out a song I enjoy. Here is my most recent fire up fave (Me Too by Meghan Trainor)
Through this process, I have also set an intention to "cut myself a break" and focus on building my self-esteem and speaking more kindly to myself, and a big part of this is honestly evaluating my own significance and achievements. But more on that next time.
How do you celebrate when you do something well?
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