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Light seems limited in the Pacific Northwest this time of year. We can find ourselves feeling sluggish, a bit sad at times, … a little imbalanced. You probably already use ways to help bring your spirit up to a happy, loving, functioning human being. I like to leave lights on in the room I’m in, and, yes, wear brighter clothing, tidy up and leave bright, warm decor around the house to remind me to support my happiness.

For instance, I am tempted to sit and read news articles. After all, I am civic minded. But after a few minutes I observe fearful feelings about so many things, I feel tired, I feel gloomy. I have observed the same message almost any time I read the news. My emotions keep sending me similar feelings of unrest, anxiety, helplessness.

I would rather set my focused activity in preparing breakfast, enjoying what I’ve made, and I bundle up to go outside to see what delights I can find. …trees, bushes, sky, air, sunshine or raindrops, birds. …… I am certain I am on earth to enjoy all these things. And, I am sure my happiness creates a ripple effect for the earth, and at the very least for my family and those around me. I can make a difference by shining my light!

Keep On the Upward Track

Keep in mind, when you give into the gloomy days, there is not an automatic “bob back up to happy,” …especially when you are fighting against what you cannot change (at the moment). In this case you dig a pit making it hard to smile or see the sunny side of life. … sometimes for long periods of the day. Sometimes you encourage others to listen to your gloom and spread it all around.

But, there are some tricks to work around your situation

You can stop what you are doing and be kind to yourself for a few moments. Sound easy? It is when you stop long enough to change your talking, your actions, your thinking …. long enough to listen to your feelings. Long enough to recognize you have a friend in feelings, a director, who lovingly says, “Hey! Go have some fun for a moment or two!”

Your emotions can tell you when you are balanced (happy) and when you are unbalanced (getting no where). You can get the hang of this and make it simple. You can breathe, balance and go your happy way.

Touch base with your feelings at least four times a day: at meals and when you drive to and from work.

The more you observe your feelings, the building up of frustration, and the sooner you respond by letting go of whatever you are currently doing. … yes, actually stop what you are doing! ….. breathe quietly, allow the quiet … suddenly ….. if you pay attention …. you will notice your feelings have changed. You say, “I feel better.” …and then you return. ….and it feels so good. and you become more productive, more loving, a happy you!

Another to think about this….

Try to activate a more positive feeling result….. ACTIVATE …. ACTIVITY …you can do something like walk away from the activity you are currently doing. Listen to your feelings. They are telling you to change whatever you are currently doing. You probably are out of balance with your good old happy self. The sooner you leave and try something more pleasing, like turning on music, playing the piano or guitar, drawing a simple picture, the sooner you will “bob up to happy”!

Stop, observe your feelings,

If you are feeling happy, support what you are doing and try to remain in this sphere as long as you can.

If you are feeling anxious, STOP what you are doing. Walk away. Find a quiet place . Listen to your breaths, your heartbeat, the fan blowing through your heater. Look in the mirror, give out your favorite, bright smile and say hello to your good old happy self! Allow a soft smile to return to your face.

Learn how to direct your emotions toward a happier, saner, more balanced life.

We are in this world together. We can make a difference whether we are home-bound or activists. What we have in common is the ability to love. We can do this!