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Following Our Feet Out Of Bed January 16, 2014

Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Health & Wellness, Mindfulness.
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Mickey-OKI read a book once that said that people with clinical depression deserve a gold star “just for following their feet out of bed in the morning.”

I agree.

Recognizing all of our small accomplishments does wonders to lift our mood, even if we don’t suffer from clinical depression.

It also gets us off the hook for failing to win the Nobel Prize.

When I stopped practicing law, I wondered if I was wasting my life and the precious gifts I had been given.

My lack of achievement when compared with what others had accomplished (with far fewer resources) made me frown at my countenance.

Focusing on the negatives sapped my energy and enthusiasm . . . not a recipe for future success.  Switching gears, I turned my attention from what I didn’t do to what I did do.

I made a list.

This week, while sorting through my writing files, I found the list:

I followed my feet out of bed 357 days (so far) this year.  I wrote 30 songs and submitted 4 to the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.  I read more than 30 books.  I donated goods to charity and gave things to friends.  I shared laughter with those who crossed my path.  I made homemade gifts for loved ones.  I visited my nieces and nephews.  I hosted a going-away party for Sue.  I painted pictures.  I rode my bike.  I cooked dinners and went grocery shopping and paid the bills.

I interviewed, selected, and trained 15 people to act as volunteers for Side By Side.  I attended meetings of the Domestic Violence Working Group and planned several in-service meetings.  I gave talks on Domestic Violence to the Cherry Hill Religious Leaders Organization and to students at Cherry Hill West High School.

I forgave mistakes and missteps and encouraged others to do the same. I gained a better understanding of myself and others. I fed the birds and enjoyed the antics of thieving squirrels.  I raked leaves and planted tomatoes and peppers and flowers.  I stopped to smell the roses.

Writing the list enabled me to realize that I had NOT wasted the year . . . even if I hadn’t won the Nobel Prize.

* Don’t get caught up in the numbers game.  Having a profound impact on one person may be more important than having a modest effect on a thousand.

* Most of us will never do great things, but we can do small things with great love. ~ Mother Teresa

Sometimes, when the world spirals out of control, we need to press PAUSE and “just be.”  We need to breathe, relax, and repeat.

Other times, the best thing for our health and wellness is to “do something.”  Anything would do for a start.

Aah . . . that’s better!

What about you?  Do you find it easy to find the right balance between doing and being?  Or does life often feel a bit off-kilter?

Related post:  Old Advice Is Not Always Good Advice (Rainee)