I don’t know if it is the increasing length of the days or my recent admission regarding my Candy Crush problem, but I feel better. My energy level and ambition is growing along with the green grass. I am just as excited as my son, that the countdown clock is ticking away the school year. We haven’t made any plans for our summer yet. There is peace in the possibilities. We are looking forward to the comfort of being a family under one roof. In case it wasn’t acknowledging my Candy Crush problem that has improved my spirits lately, I’ve compiled a list of actions I’ve taken to conquer my blues recently.
1. Buy yourself a horse.
Some women settle for a new pair of shoes, as a pick me up. Why stop there? Buy yourself a horse (or a pony) wearing a new pair of shoes. The flashier the better. I like ’em bay with stocking legs, but I’ll settle for a dark chestnut in a pinch. Don’t stop at purchasing a new horse, the time spent with said horse is the therapeutic part.
2. Make your bed every day.
Simple and effective, if I make my bed I’m less inclined to revisit it during the day. Seeing a neatly made bed inspires me to keep my room tidier; the trickle down effect leads to a tidier house overall. A tidier house improves my energy.
3. Reach out to a friend.
I teeter on the edge of social anxiety disorder. The thought of making small talk at a cocktail party causes butterflies and my heart pounds in fear when I make a phone call to someone outside my family. My stepmother has a theory that we thrive on rural ranches, because of these very introverted tendencies. She may be on to something. Nonetheless, we humans, need connection. Despite my anxiety, I reach out to friends when I get low and tell them how I feel. Once they are spoken aloud my problems seemingly become smaller.
Whether they hold me accountable for my actions or just lend an ear, a good friend is invaluable. I try not to take these people for granted. I wish to honor those friendships. When a dear friend enters my thoughts I treat it as a sign. When those moments strike, I strive to acknowledge my gratitude with a heartfelt note or a quick phone call.
4. STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER!
Put your hands in the air and step away from the electronic device. Breathe, pull the plug or flip the switch, whatever it takes to severe your connection to the time sucking void. Tie your shoes and step out the door. . .
5. Take your dogs for a walk.
I don’t know why I ever quit. My dogs’ enthusiasm is infectious. Every time I prepare to take them for a walk (or bike ride or horseback ride), they leap with reckless abandon and the looks on their faces seem to say, “This is the Best. Day. Ever!” Whether it is a quick spin or a long walk, we all feel better afterward.
Wonderful advice,… I don’t think I’ll buy a new horse in the near (or far) future, but I will definitely take a walk.. and, like you, I make my bed everyday
Making my bed helps me set a productive tone for my day, Jane. It also satisfies my innate need for pleasing aesthetics. No horse, no problem (the real secret is Nature, isn’t it?).