Sunday //
A few months ago, just as we were getting to grips with life in a global pandemic, I attended a resilience workshop for writers. One of the things participants were asked to do was write a list of actions and activities that made us happy, and that we could draw on in these difficult times.
Seems like a really easy thing to do right? But, for me it wasn’t. Lots of things make me happy; meeting friends, going on holiday, visiting charity shops, vintage markets, hanging out with my family, reading, putting a bunch of fresh flowers on the mantelpiece, my work, my colleagues and so much more. But what makes me happy when I’m home alone, on a pay cut, worrying about the state of the world, now that is a different proposition and one I had to think about. And one that I am thinking about again as we roll into a winter of discontent, hibernation and ever changing restrictions.
My current list of, nearly free, things that make me happy are:-
going for a walk
reading
listening to a good play, podcast or audio book
taking photographs
colouring in
burning great smelling oils and melts
I am putting a copy of this list above my desk, I think over the next few months I’m going to need it to get through the lockdowns, lock ins and dark nights.
I’m not resisting this time, I am actively embracing it, I think we all need to slow down and think about what kind of future we want for our societies and do the work needed to create equality and equity for everyone. I think we’re all going to need a happy list we can draw on over the next few months while we continue to live through this pandemic. What on your list? I’d love to know.
AND THANK YOU. This is the first newsletter I’ve sent out. I don’t know how many people its gone to because I haven’t looked at the list, all I know is its gone to people I really like and that is definitely good enough for me.
Sending much love, luck and laughter,
Denise