Feeling the Love

Feeling the love.

I have had multiple conversations with clients, friends, and mentors recently about the importance of recognizing joy. Of celebrating the wins. Of noticing the good things in life.

The truth is, we can get caught in fixing mode. We can get overwhelmed in all of the truly, truly horrible stuff that is happening in our world right now. We have an innate negativity bias that is literally there to KEEP US FROM DYING! And if you're reading this, it's worked! I say, take a quick moment and give a quick word of thanks to your inner negative pattern detector.

The issues start when we live in a world where we have access to more information and stimulation and complexity than our nervous systems have evolved to handle. Many of us, especially those of use who are more sensitive and prone to anxiety, are constantly receiving danger signals. That can be exhausting and lead to burnout if you don't know how to intentionally rewire your responses.

There are lots of ways to do that. A simple, powerful place to start is with laughter, joy, peace, or love. Throughout your day be mindful of when you feel good naturally- say, the warm water on your skin when you sink into a bath, a hug from someone who makes you feel loved and safe, a blue sky or the first warmth of spring. Whatever it is for you. (If you have issues with addictions or suspect you might have, try something that makes you feel good that is NOT one of your addictions, or an ultra-high dopamine activity). Being mindful of these moments of joy and connection, of your "glimmers" helps you to balance your negativity bias, and wires you to notice more of the good things already around you.

Finding other people to do this with is even more impactful.

Not to say we stop noticing the problems. We support ourselves with joy to be resilient enough to stand up to the challenges.