I’m so glad you’re here. Because in this space, there is no judgment, no shaming – just support. So if this week feels heavy, or today feels especially hard, this is for you. As promised when you clicked over – this will take less than five minutes. And my hope is that it leaves you feeling even an ounce more positive, hopeful, and inspired:

Finish something you’ve been putting off.

It could be sending the reply email that’s been buried in your inbox. Or writing a thank you card that now has you feeling embarrassed because it’s long overdue. Maybe cleaning out your junk drawer. For me it’s all three. But even knocking off one small task will give you an instant dopamine drip and the serotonin boost to propel you forward. I assure you, I’ve tried it, and it works.

Do something for someone else.

I’m not talking a grand gesture, because that’s not what this is about. It’s a way to get out of our own head and shift our perspective. I liken it to when Grey is in meltdown mode and he’s ranting about something that isn’t making sense. We scoop him up, love on him, and redirect his attention to something new. 9 times out of 10 it helps him snap out of it. So let’s snap out of our angst and do some good. It could be bringing cookies to a neighbor, calling a friend to tell them we’re thinking about them, or even just leaving encouraging words on your favorite charity’s social media page. And, fun fact about kindness:

Power down, and read a book.

Anything but more doom scrolling. Because you may think it’s making you feel better to see like-minded comments on your facebook feed, or rallying against rants from the other side. But truth be told, it’s only sending you down a scary snake hole where no one comes out on top. My Dad used to tell me about the law of reticular activation. When you’re in the car buying process you see more of the car you’re thinking about buying. Your brain is hardwired to find more of what you’re searching for. So don’t let it take you to the dark side. Instead, read that book you’ve been too busy to start, or find some good news articles to browse. If you need any recommendations, I’ve got you. Leave me a note and I’ll forward you some good ones. I’m so happy to be your book buddy!

Breathe deeply.

I had my oxygen intake tested a few weeks back and I asked why I never got to the full 100%, but many people do. The nurse told me that some people breathe more deeply than others. As it turns out, they see so many more health benefits than us shallow-breathers do. Here are the techniques I’ve been trying. At first you have to be really mindful about it, but like anything you practice for a while, it becomes second nature. On day 2 I felt it in a big way. With each belly breath I was feeling the stress peel away like layers of an onion.

Do something for you, that only you can do.

You’ve finished a chore or two, you’ve showered kindness on others, you’ve started to calm your energy and made space for good. Now it’s time to take a few moments and make yourself a priority. We hear it all the time that you can’t pour from an empty cup, but it’s so true. And I’d be willing to bet that a lot of our cups are nearing empty, some bone dry. Walk the aisles of Home Goods. Maybe have a good cry. Put on a face mask and pour yourself a glass of wine. Get your body moving and do a yoga sequence or two. Any and all of them will be good for the soul, and help you start filling back up again.

Sometimes we get so focused on the big picture that the smaller screen in front of us is playing out without its lead character. We’re too busy waiting for our role in the blockbuster that we’re missing the reality show we’re a part of. What’s happening at the macro level is wildly important. But many things are out of our control. What you can control is the attitude you start your day with. The words you use with the people you love, and the inner dialogue with yourself. The empathy you extend to strangers you see throughout your day. That’s what I’m working on today, and every day.

Thank you for being here with us. A big squeeze to you, kind friend. Please share any other thoughts you have with us in the comments below ?

(main image via studio McGee ? – a lovely alternative to doom scrolling)