Lifting Yourself Up
After a slew of gloomy days, this morning’s blue sky seems especially uplifting. I bundled up and headed out as soon as I could too. I felt so compelled to frolic in the brightness and the beauty and celebrate the glorious day. It did not disappoint. My dogs are tired out and I am uplifted.
Weather is a big one. “Bad” weather can be depressing. It can keep people in a low vibe. The news is a big one. The saying, “No news is good news” is kinda true. And then there are personal setbacks, grief, and daily stresses that can deflate our spirits on a regular basis. How do we avoid getting pulled down? How can we rise above?
Today, I want to touch on the concept of self-uplifting, which is the art of keeping yourself inspired. It’s an art, it’s an asset, and it’s a learnable skill. Yes, you have the power to rise above the doldrums and the buzzkillers that seemingly lurk everywhere.
Well, I’ve been around the block, y’all. At this point, I consider myself an expert at self-uplifting. What works for me and just about everyone else I know is finding the silver lining.
This morning for instance, it was a frosty 27degrees but the clouds were gone. It’ll take me 5 extra minutes to dress for my hike, but I get to wear my new hand knit hat. And as I regard my deepening crow’s feet around me eyes as I look in the mirror on my way out the door, I think to myself, “Well, I guess that means I smiled (sincerely) with my whole face my whole life!”
It’s not denial. It’s not ignorance. It’s looking for the positive parts. I had to spend $200 (again) on a pair of basketball sneakers for my son, but honest to God I’m so pleased he keeps growing and growing, so big and so strong…boom, I’m uplifted.
And when you can’t find the silver lining or there are just too many things simultaneously bumming you out, do the universal self-uplifter - exercise. It doesn’t have to a formal workout, but moving your body works wonders.
Foundational to empowered wellness is the ability to lift yourself up, so to quote Kris Kristofferson, “Don’t let the bastards get you down,” and remember, behind every inspired woman is herself.
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” - Wayne Dyer
I agree! We had similar weather here (Michigan). I woke up to 2" of snow Sunday morning (brrr!), but I smiled, because it was beautiful and glistening in the bright sun and blue sky. I often do the Breath of Joy when I need a mood boost during the day or to inspire myself for my workout.