Good Morning Everyone!!!
How is everyone doing?? Like really doing?? I know it's easy for us to say that we are doing fine, but really we are still just as worried or upset about what's going on in the world. Cases are still happening and we still have no idea how things will all turn out. We can feel so negative and down on ourselves during this. I know that I feel that way at times. This is something that's been on my heart and I wanted to encourage you to know that you aren't alone if you feel this way. So what can we do to help us feel better when we have days like this?? We need to Spark some Joy!!!
What is it that brings you joy?? I know for me, I feel better when I can laugh. The times where you laugh so hard you cry. Laughter really is the best medicine. When I am feeling overwhelmed I go over to youtube and put in some of my favorite videos that make me laugh. The top one of course is Candance Payne Chewbacca Mom. This viral video made her famous. We all laughed with joy with her as she bought a Chewbacca mask and wore it in her car filming the results of her laughing and having fun. She advocates for finding joy in the little things and although she doesn't know me, I feel like she is a close friend. Us Texas girls have to stick together. She will never know how much I appreciate her and the ways that her contagious laughter helps me when I feel down. I instantly feel better and am reminded to find joy in my situation. Here is her video, I promise it will make you laugh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3yRv5Jg5TI
Here are a few more videos that I love that make me laugh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJtK0vvCPT0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHuLy0DT_84
I am a big enthusiast for the outdoors. I love to go kayaking, hiking, camping, pretty much anything outside. There is nothing that makes me feel better than when I can be outside enjoying nature. When it's raining and it's cold, I can feel my mood change. I still finds sparks of joy by enjoying nature through books or even videos. I start to feel recharge by watching or reading about others encouraging us to have some epic adventure and I start to plan my own. I'm reading a book right now about a guy who bicycled all the way to South America. It's funny and makes you feel like you are right there with him. Here are some adventure videos that I can watch over and over again, including a video about the guy that I'm reading about ( the first video) These are just a few of my favorite!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUTL4Op56CM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlhGBOonfC0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I83E6jSHBs4
Other ways of sparking joy are Face timing with my friends and family. I love playing games with them and just catching up during this time. Staying close to family and friends really is an important thing during this time. We need to lean on each other more than ever. Sending cards of encouragement and love are great way to spark joy. It's also a great way to get the kids involved during this time. There's nothing better then sending positive words of affirmation to others or even to yourself. Put note up that say things like, "I'm Awesome, I'm Kind, I'm Strong, I can do this". This not only helps us to realize that we are worth it, but it helps our kids see that we are giving ourselves a positive outlook and not listening to what the world says about us. That they too can say those things and know that they ARE those things.
So what about you?? What brings you joy?? Whatever it is I hope you have some today. Maybe it's watching your favorite movie while in your PJs or maybe its running in the rain, playing with your kids or dancing silly. Whatever it is, be joyful today. Take some time to spark some joy for yourself. We are all in this together and can do this. I hope if anything you are encourage today and know that you are not alone. Have a great day everyone.
Tiffany
Program Supervisor