There’s nothing better than evoking a smile on a a baby’s face; and when they’re older, to make them laugh. Those first giggles- that cause popping candy-like tingles in your tummy. The fizzy feeling on your cheeks: knowing that you’ve made them feel content, that they’re responding happily, is utterly blissful.
When my daughter was a young child, she’d love it when we’d animate her favourite orange toy dinosaur; simply just bouncing Dino at her feet, would keep her amused for ages. If we were out, then by merely shaping my hands as-: Mr. and Mrs. Fox, was equally entertaining to her.
And all these glorious years on, my new grandchild is also transfixed by a picture of a tiger, and seeing her first smile, bought back many happy memories, and new Grannie tingles in my tummy.
It also reminded me that it’s nearly always the cost-free things that make the sun shine within our souls. Better still, to be reminded that we can call in our own sun, as easily as turning on a tap, is helpful to remember when we’re caught in a tunnel vision, or having a challenging day.
I, like you have many plates spinning: trying to carve -out a new career, dealing with the frustrations of the disability, and so on. It can be soul-draining and brutal on our psyche, especially when we’re also mastering our mental wellness: we don’t care for unhelpful pitfalls.
So, to avoid white -space thinking, I have my own sunshine kit readily available…
As I continue my healing journey, I became consciously aware, or awake to the fact that I need one! This is because the key to mental wellness, is self-care and all the facets, that it encompasses. Whilst I eat well, and exercise within the restraints of the disability: I am no more immune to down-days than you. The only difference being perhaps, is that I no longer shy away from the tougher emotions: I acknowledge them, but focus on making my sunshine instead.
When I need my sunshine, I go and find it:
- I go into my garden, or if the weather is rubbish, I observe from a window: the dare devil wood pigeon blatantly steeling the cherries from my tree, squawking delightedly at his juicy glut.
- Messy, the neighbour’s cat languishing on my fence, stretched out as though it were a chaise longue: reminding me of the importance of relaxation.
- And, next my sweet delight: I flick through my phone, and coo at the photos of my wonderful daughter, son-in-law, and new granddaughter.
I set a thirty-minute timer on my device, especially to do these things, and force self to relax and observe the wonders of nature that I’m blessed to have in my garden. (If I didn’t have one, then I’d find a park bench to sit on).
And without trying, my breathing self regulates and my busy mind is calmed: – simply by watching the wonders of the world: and thinking about the most important joy of being human: LOVE, I create my own sunshine!
Next, I make a cup of tea, perhaps a bite to eat, and I’m back on track.
It’s cost me barely a penny: to bring the sunshine back into my atoms!
I hope you find this helpful.
SUNNY wishes,
Emma x