A lot of things about life can be so overwhelming that it takes only a light nudge to crash under the weight of it and be plunged into depression and sadness.
A friend would say life is not easy, but it's easy. You say happiness is a minimalist thing, and the rest of the world says that it is a state of the mind, regardless, whatever it is, I just choose to stay happy.
With meltdowns here and there, rejections, far from achieved goals, and too much to worry about, although it should be the case, I choose not to be sad. As is known, with a new day comes another opportunity to take another shot, albeit armed with the lessons learned from misfiring the previous day on how not to aim. It's a win.
My sister would say to find joy in the little, everyday things of life. She says they're the things to live for. And frankly, she's right. If the little things I take for granted hit a block, I'll be more frustrated than if the much bigger things do. While at that, with little effort or input, these little things restructure and revitalize me in a snap.
The daily ones like:
Exercise and football.
From when I was little, football has always made me happy whether I watched the game or I was playing(especially playing). We always had one street ball going on, and no matter how sad my mood or how fatigued I was, I never declined joining. Suffice it to say that it rejuvenated me. Growing older and realizing how much I could indulge in sports in spite of whatever turbulence that I might be in, I have always wielded its power to my advantage. So be it out in the field playing some sport or at the gym/at home lifting weight, I'm good. I'm light and joyful.
Some time with nature
I learned this from my sister. Whenever she was pissed or as she would say, when her mind was clogged, she would grab a seat, get her bottle of water, and go sit under this big tree outside the house. Or, she would wait until the sun was setting and begin to walk around the compound beside the garden. She does this calmly. Whenever she was done, she'd cone into the house, smiling and with good energy.
I did not know what effect these habits had on her until I experienced it myself. I sat under the tree that day with a lot going through my mind. By the time I got up and went into the house, I had forgotten that something was bothering me. My mind was so clear, I was no longer tense, and i could process my thoughts better. It made me glad that I no longer felt anxious cause I hate that feeling. And ever since, no one told me to pay better attention to my environment.
Music
My everyday companion. What's here to list if it's absent? I have some good taste in music and I'm quite particular about what I listen to. Good jam with good vibes, devoid of bad or depressing lyrics is my ally. Music can be so owerful, and I chose to let it have positive control in my life. Life's too short to not listen to great songs and dance along.
Reflection
Simply, daily reflective thinking and mostly gratitude time. It's the time when I appreciate the tiny working things and the beauties in my life. The moment when I count my blessings and get giddy about how much better things will have become in a year.
It's all that simple.
What I most cherish about these habits is that they cost nothing. So whether or not
I'm a truly happy person. My family and my journey through life have taught me enough to focus on what matters. After all, things don't automatically get better because I'm sad. It only breeds disaster.
So, i stay happy...always!
Just as i am happy to have been able to write on this #Kiss initiative topic.
It was a pleasure.
Images are mine
Thanks for stopping by.
SOKA 🖤