Spirits Up!

How are your spirits these days? Are they flying high, on an even keel, or are the winter doldrums weighing them down?

 

Lots in life can put us in a slump and keep us there—the economy, rising grocery costs, complicated personal relationships. We all know there’s not likely to be an instant fix for these and many other things. So, what’s a person to do?

 

When things are down, make an intentional effort to keep your spirits up. Here are some ways you can do that.

 

Choose a positive vision about what’s happening. Ask yourself what’s good about this and focus on that. Being grateful for what you have and making what you can with it is a valuable skill.

 

Forgive the situation and release your expectations about what you thought would happen. Expectations are only thoughts—you are still here and safe in the present moment.

 

Be aware of your emotions of sadness, anger, or fear, and share them with a trusted person, so you don’t feel alone. Feelings aren’t facts, and they will pass.

 

Don’t look at what you think is missing in your life as scarcity. Instead, see it as an opportunity to study the art of frugality. That will help you experience what you have as enough and will free you from your desire for more.

 

Indulge yourself with abundance—the abundance of time, friendships, bulging bookshelves, and hot water coming right out of your tap.

 

Turn off the news and visit the natural world. Watch the birds, hang out with your pets, and pause to watch the sunset.

 

Live one day at a time. James Thurber said, “Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around us in awareness.” So, enjoy where you are today.

 

Be clear about what is yours to worry about and what isn’t. Take care of your sphere of self, family, and community. Don’t take on the whole world’s problems.

 

Pray often. Ask for guidance, and then see how your intuition guides you.

 

Be generous to someone who is having more trouble than you are.

 

Be of service to others.

 

Blessings to you. If you’re having any difficulty in your life remember the words of Julian of Norwich: All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all matter of a thing shall be well.