Out With the Old
Positively cynical in a good way
Although the concept of a year is just that – an idea fabricated by humans to better understand and manage our universe – I'm anxious to say goodbye to 2023. For me, it's been challenging. Moving from my beloved mountain home to a small town closer to the city where my husband does heroes' work as a mental health advocate has been trying – both mentally and physically. I want the turn of the calendar to bring back my better self – because I know that the challenges of attitude and response to events are a personal choice. Acknowledge the negative, accept reality, and focus on the positive. Easy to say, but harder to do even at our best of times. With 2024 (nice round numbers) on the horizon, I went in search of credible tactics and encouragement. So, in case you too need a boost to step into the new year feeling more like the captain of your ship than the guy (mostly a man's job) who scrubs the poop deck, here are a few insights from experts to open our sails to a leeward wind that sends us gently forward.
This article is from the staff of the renowned Mayo Clinic, whose judgment on ‘positivity’ we can trust because they are, after all, The Mayo Clinic! I’ve added my own notes in italics because this topic is personal.
"Feeling happy doesn't just put a smile on your face. Researchers have found it can spur changes in your actual thought patterns, potentially making you more creative and a better problem-solver. (And cause people around you to ask what you’ve been smoking).
When you're feeling good, you're able to draw connections more easily, and you're more willing to try new things. People in the middle of a positive feeling also tend to come up with more new ideas and possible courses of action. (Like feeling confident you can beat that red light).
And even if these moments are fleeting, they can build on themselves. The more often you're feeling content, the more you're likely to feel positivity in the future. (Irritating friends who can’t bear all that smiling).
Think this is only good news for happy people? In fact, research shows that no matter your current life satisfaction, positivity is something you can practice and get better at. (They told me that about golf, too. Not true).
One way to do it: meditation. Even a few minutes a day can help expand your awareness of things to be grateful for and joyful about. And the effects can last, helping you feel more joy, interest, and hope, even on days you don't meditate. ( I am incapable of meditation, but an occasional glass of wine might substitute?)
Happiness is contagious. (So is the flu).
The decades-long Framingham Heart Study measured happiness among thousands of people and their real-life social networks. The results: It's not just that happy people tend to befriend each other. Rather, the people you're around day to day can make you happier. (Does my cat count? She doesn’t always like me.)
Most of us know about the harmful effects of fight-or-flight stress on the body. Built up over time, it can strain your body and increase your risk of serious illness. (Honestly, flying makes me very nervous). But there's a flip side: The effects of positive emotions like amusement. Think funny cat videos! One study found that those who were exposed to a funny or happy video recovered to their resting heart rate twice as fast after a stressful event as those who didn't get a positivity boost. (So, next time you're nearly hit by a truck, grab your phone, pinch up a cat video, and then call 911.)
This doesn't mean you have to force a smile, a laugh, or a cheery outlook when you're not feeling it. In fact, that can backfire. But taking time to do the small things that make you feel good is powerful protection against whatever life throws your way. (Like making snide comments about the Mayo article?)
I feel better already! Happy New Year to you and all the people you love and care about.
Thanks to all of you for giving me so many bright spots in my life throughout the past year. You make me smile, think, feel positive and heard. You’re all over the globe, and what I learn from you and about you is a treasure. Your time reading my thoughts is a gift. I’m grateful. Wishing you all a healthy and stimulating 2024. Bring it on!
Let me know what you’re thinking. Contact me HERE.
And if you have someone who enjoys a good mystery - consider my highly rated “The Song of Jackass Creek.” Based on character and place, lacking graphic violence - readers have logged great reviews - check them out!
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