This year, I have found the end of summer and onset of colder weather harder than most years. The social isolation combined with shorter days makes me a little sad. That’s why SATSO’s WEG is bringing you: Wellness Wednesday for the next several weeks.
This year, I have found the end of summer and onset of colder weather harder than most years. The social isolation combined with shorter days makes me a little sad. So I decided to write a Wellness Wednesday . My purpose is first and foremost to let you know that you’re not alone: many of us have a hard time in the Autumn season. Second, to give you tips and ideas to keep you mentally & physically healthy. Third, to empower you to be self-aware, but not self-critical. Finally, to encourage a loving sense of humour as we surf the ups and downs that naturally occur in daily life.
With Thanksgiving around the corner on Monday, October 12th it’s a perfect time to focus on GRATITUDE. I'm privileged to be working throughout this pandemic and my job allows me to help others. Be grateful for your own strengths that allow us to help others. Gratitude is the action of consciously choosing your thoughts. The Dalai Lama stresses ‘control of the mind’ as one of our most important skills. Choosing to focus on Gratitude once or twice a day is a step towards mental mastery.
Suggested exercise: Use a journal or a piece of paper, at the top of a blank page write: “Today I am grateful for:” Then start listing anything that pops into your head, ie: Coffee!, My Spouse, My job, Fuzzy slippers, The Mute Button. Have fun with it.
I’m comfortable sharing that I’m most grateful for the people in my community and my work that have offered me unconditional support and encouragement on those days that I felt like I couldn’t do anything right. I reached out for a virtual hug and was lifted up and felt blessed. No matter what our situation, we’re simply, wonderfully human and we’re part of something larger.
Try practicing Gratitude, Reach out to others, and Enjoy the moment.
Our Canadian Thanksgiving originated in the 17th century to celebrate people of multiple origins working together to bring in a harvest. Although there are many aspects to North American settlement since then, let’s choose celebrate the rewards of working together and honour the efforts of those that came before us. I’m grateful to be part of such a diverse and wonderful community which represents, to me, the beautiful melting pot of Canada.
