Focus on the small things, a journaling exercise
I don't know about you, but the doom and gloom of the news lately is really getting me down.
Yet, if you observe your life after watching it, there is a truth that’s undeniable: most of the time, it doesn't impact your everyday life. Even after all the anxiety the news brings on, nothing has changed in your circumstances.
You’re still in the same place, surrounded by the same things. The anxiety the news brings doesn't change your life, it just keeps you inert.
At times like that, your journal can be a safe haven and a place to find joy. That's why this exercise exists. It helps you focus on your here and now.
Here's what you do:
- grab your journal, pen(s) and other things you'd like to add, like stickers to decorate etc.
- go to a room in your house, and sit down.
- with your journal open in front of you, and your pen in hand, look around, focusing on the following question: what do you see that makes you happy?
- Narrow your focus, notice the small things within or next to them. Notice the things that are probably meaningless to someone else, but that have an impact on you.
- Write down those small things, and write down how they make you feel, what they make you remember, why you cherish them. How did they become a part of your life? Express gratitude for it too.
Here is an example from where I'm now, the bedroom.
Next to me is my nightstand, it's pretty, all red with drawers I decorated myself. There are several things on top of that nightstand, things that make me happy. thing 1: my water bottle. It has an elephant on it, my favourite animal. The bottle makes me happy because it carries the water I need for my body to function well. thing 2: a small roll of washi tape in pink. I love washi tape so much and I love to decorate with it. The bright pink is such a joyful colour. thing 3: a bag of seeds. I eat seeds every day for several reasons and that's why it makes me happy to see them. They are the perfect healthy snackfood and nourish me.
This is such a fun and powerful exercise. I really hope you will dive into your journal to do it.