As adults, if we’ve only known a bad-mood atmosphere, from childhood: It can be hard to put ourselves into a soul-nourishing good mood. But a ratty mood is as helpful as queuing in traffic- on a hot day. So, we need to get out our old childhood tool boxes, to help us now.

We must delve into the nutritious- rich habits we learned to foster when we were the neglected child of yesteryear. Because we all had them, our own-grown techniques are just concealed under brain -dust, and busy schedules. We can adapt them – as though altering a garment, to use in our present time.  We can recall and reinstate the layers of old resources. Here’s mine:

Music: then and now:

As a child parent, wishing to make a happy mood, at least in our shared bedroom, I would pop on the brightly coloured toy records, and encourage my younger siblings to sing-a-long to our favourite nursery songs.

Interestingly, from those bright plastic discs, all the way through to adult musical tastes: music instantly puts me into a good mood. Play tunes you enjoy singing and dancing to. Avoid any that lower your mood. It is a great tonic jigging along; for those of us with disabilities, a good chance to stretch.  This my first layer, an atmosphere make-over.

 

Nature: then and now: 

I was blessed to have an incredible grandmother, who adored nature. Soon after I learned to walk, we went on magical country lane meanders. Violets, primroses, cowslips, to name some of our beautiful spring flowers. The orchestra of bird song: nannie could distinguish all the species. The medicinal properties of plants. I remember spinning around in awe, pointing out a robin, the song of a blackbird.

I am so lucky to have vivid memories of my time spent with nannie, the lacey canopy, lime green leaves woven through olive green from over the road: The bough protecting me, and kind nannie’s hand in mine. This is another glorious layer, a peaceful grounding one. It is also a joyful way to meditate with. I dig deep into my recall, to the extent that I can smell the flowers, the earth, etc. I see it as though I am there, capture the bird song. What wonderful uplifting memory can you cash in that will life your mood?

Laughter: then and now:  

Back in my childhood bedroom- it was felt- tip dots – a pair on three chins. Penny sized eyes, different colours. We would hang our heads off the side of the two facing bed-ends: Being Dolphins’ of course! Seeing one another talk, but upside down, was extremely funny, when you’re six and under. I had our toy record player in the background, repeating on row, row, your boat, the make-believe adventures, and fun. We’d play Dolphins lots- such a great mood lifter.

Throughout my life, I have been blessed with a great sense of all kinds of humour. A good belly laugh is free and instant. I frequently exchange funny things with friends. We can all make a point of doing so more. As a mother, I could make my daughter laugh, even if we were on the bus – with few resources. I brim over blissfully, that I now make my grandchild laugh, it is soul magic. Laughter is also a useful visceral layer – in uplifting a mood. When we giggle, we ping the dots of us, we give the spirit of us different bouncy energy to move to.

 

 

Eating: then and now:  

My grandmother was the first person to engage me with fresh produce, we made soups, jams, or gently cooked them.  We would pick, swipe on aprons and munch on, fresh apricots, green beans, spinach, apples, and pears…

What we eat affects our moods, it is a fact. Try to increase your daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially if you are not currently enjoying the recommended quota.

Even though I love most fruit and vegetable, I have only been eating the correct portions for five years. I kept a tally, and simply increased it – consistently from there. I do not mean to preach to you; but eating fresh produce truly is a strong resilient good mood sustaining layer. It will help, especially if you endure disabilities or impairments, not less so for us all. My great late friend Stephen, who’s dad owned a greengrocery stall, spoke about nature being our natural pharmacy. Ask your device about nutritional properties of a certain fruit / vegetable – it will incentivize you.

I revisited my childhood to help me achieve this.  I made homemade fruit lollipops, another portion. I made heaps of fresh fruit salad, vibrant savory salads, because I like bright colours, and to over-ride the, “I can’t be bothered to cut fruit mood.” (Because it hurts my hand to do chopping, and why I do it in bulk.) Five years on I feel far fuller of vitality than I ever have, and despite the disability being more challenging. Moreover, my moods are more consistent, and if they dip, then I delve into my childhood toolbox.

I hope you find this helpful.

SUNNY wishes,

Emma x