For anyone wondering how my stand-up set went the other week, the simple answer was that it didn’t.
I ended up with raging Covid, which was the last thing I expected as honestly, like most of the world, I’d forgotten it was a thing.
Well, it’s still very much a force to be reckoned with and while it didn’t affect my breathing as much as the other three times (three!), the endless migraine and fatigue were horrific.
I’d love to say I’m bouncing back but in reality, I’m hobbling along. Bouncing back is something you literally cannot do after 50. There’s a sort of gradual recovery and then a shrug.
It’s as if the word ‘wry’ comes to life and then attaches itself to an old oak tree.
Life was starting to feel incredibly tough in this household - and this was before Covid - so I’ve started a ‘happiness log’.
The log is not a journal but more of a cursory list written on a tiny notepad that fits into the palm of my hand.
Daily, I’m jotting down all the good things that happen, including each and every achievement no matter how tiny.
This includes seemingly pedestrian activities such as putting the laundry away, chatting to a friend, buying a new packet of coffee, sitting in the sunshine with said coffee, tidying my desk, and hanging with the neighbour’s cat.
It takes a couple of minutes at the end of every day to jot the details down and what’s been interesting about this process is how it’s starting to somersault my brain from looking at just the bad stuff to focussing on some of the good.
The end result is that I’m able to park my anxiety and overwhelm easier. Not all the time but enough to make a difference in the moment.
I’m by no means reinventing the wheel with this but it’s been an eloquent reset.
The trick is to not make it a writing exercise but a simple keyword list that can be referred a various times as a reminder that it’s not all rotten in the state of Denmark.
And when I do refer to it, the wry smile generally makes a star appearance, thus making it easier to keep moving forward.
I’ve often thought that adult lives are governed by lists and right now, the happiness log is ruling the roost.
Fun fact. The word ‘listo’ in Spanish means ready.
And this week, for the first time in a couple of weeks, I actually feel listo for whatever life might throw my way.
Lisa
Glad that you're feeling better xoxo
Glad to hear you're feeling better, hope you get back to full strength soon.
I love the idea of your list, it certainly sounds a pick me up and a reminder that there are diamonds among the dust of life!
Every night before I go to sleep I think of the good things about the day and give thanks to whichever deity may be listening then nod off in a good mood.