"If you yelled “BRING IT!” at the break of 2021, this article is exactly what you’ve been waiting for! It’s natural to feel like you’re soaring high one moment and drowning in a funk the next, especially in this season. Abigail wrote this article with exactly that in mind. With points based on her own experiences, here are some tips to keeping your spirit up.”
by Abigail Nimbalker
“In anticipation of land after a long grueling voyage on sea, whilst still on the journey, you might want to get shipshape for port.”
Continuing from where we left off, if you are like me and answered the RED SKY AT MORNING with a loud “BRING IT!”, then this article could be your next guide on how to better prepare for the coming onslaught.
There is a pattern I notice the moment I know a storm is brewing. My emotions get jumbled up, I become rather insecure and choose to exclude myself from many social circles. I would also indulge myself with many events that require no thought process whatsoever. In a nutshell, in those moments, I choose numbness over preparation. Have you noticed yourself being like that? We tend to move away from the things we actually need to be better, drawing closer, instead, to the things that drown us further. “Like weary sailors, the sound of the siren draws them closer, slowly sinking them into the depths of their utmost desire and torment.”
After almost drowning this time round, I have decided to wake myself up from this self-induced despair and do my best to live another day. Enough of the dramatic flair. In the words of the wise and very good-looking Commander Shang, “Let’s get down to business!” (hashtag Mulan reference). Like all my articles, the advice from here on out is based on my experience and what has worked for me. Do know that different things may work for you, so take your time to find out what those things are. When you do find them, remember to write them down somewhere or keep a mental note so when you face your RED SKY in the morning, you know what to do next time round.
Revelation 1: Come up with a fun schedule
Start your morning doing something you love. For those who love to live life on the edge, keep your mornings the way it is, with you rushing to work (this is me guys, kinda proud of it, keeps the adrenaline pumping and ‘dem brain juices flowing. I do me and you do you).
That being said, I do sometimes enjoy waking up earlier in the morning to enjoy a cup of coffee while taking my time getting ready for work before reading a five-minute motivational article to start my day (there are so many to choose from on The Courage Catalogue. A Courage Article a day keeps the soul from going astray. Hehe…commission please, boss? I kid. No, seriously, times are bad, I want money. Haha. Joking again. I just love writing.).
Other days, I just like being a mess and rushing to work, which is most of the time. Not to digress, but basically just have a daily plan of what you want to do from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed. Keep your day productive by finishing your work before going home and keep your day relaxed by setting aside at least five minutes for yourself. Just breathe, be grateful for who you are and what you have done.
Sometimes, self-appreciation goes a long way. So, never forget to do that daily.
Revelation 2: Food for the Soul
How many of you read Chicken Soup for the Soul growing up? I have a confession to make. I was obsessed with the entire series. For some reason, all the short stories in that book really made my soul feel a lot lighter and when the stories were relevant to what I was going through, it really made me feel understood.
During these tough times, I realise it is so important to be a little more mindful with what we feed our mind, heart, soul and spirit. When you keep hearing how devastating it is to be alone, how bad things are right now, how scary the world is and how you are just not enough, you tend to start believing it. I love listening to the radio in the car when I travel to and from work. I can’t help but notice how many depressing songs about loneliness there are. To be honest, after listening to those songs, I can’t help but start feeling really sad for myself or wallow in thoughts about how lonely I am.
After being in that funk, when I choose to watch something light and comical on Netflix instead, (Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the “ish” for me, guys. What’s yours?), my heart would feel a lot lighter and I would realise how ridiculous my initial thoughts were.
But more importantly, after nine months of not seeing my family because of Covid-19, we were reunited and spent almost an entire week together. This may sound crazy, but I felt so much better after that. It was like this empty void in my heart was just filled with a lot of joy and love. I never thought the day would come when I would miss my mom’s nagging and my dad’s long-winded stories. Funny enough, it was the exact thing that stopped me from drowning and instead got me swimming once again, almost to the point of effortless floating. So, what I have learned is that it is not just about what you are listening to or who you are listening to, but also who you spend time with. Seek to be with people who make you feel loved and secure.
Revelation 3: Being Part of Something
Another way that helps is to be a part of something. Volunteer your time by giving back to the community one way or another. There are many charities, donation drives and non-government organisations that would require a helping hand. Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you don’t want to do it alone, find a friend who will do it with you.
If volunteering is not for you, then maybe be a part of an online band (or a real one, if you are allowed to physically meet and jam), start a blog, join a blog (The Courage Catalogue, perhaps? Hehe…), learn something new, start a sports team (shopping is a sport too, so go shopping with your friends. Hehe. I am digressing here, sorry), basically, the gist of it is, do something you like with a group of people! Join a book club, start a book club, go café hopping with your friends, anything with anyone! The lesson is: be part of a community to remind yourself that you are not alone or on your own in this world.
"There is so much to see and do with so many amazing people who may look, think and act like you. And if they are not like you, well…that’s a plus point! You have just graduated from your comfort zone and added a new colour to your world. "
In all honesty, I am looking for non-government organisations to volunteer at. I am passionate to be part of making the world a better place. I used to be a part of one and it made me feel like I was on a mission to change the world or nation. A part of me misses that feeling, so here is me pushing myself to try to allocate a bit more time to do something that fulfils me, that reminds me that I have a purpose by being part of something bigger than myself. I am not the only living creature on this big planet.
Revelation 4: Stay the course!
After a while, you may feel your engine dying again, but, hey! Stay your course! Don’t look back, don’t listen to those singing sirens! Don’t sink back into those depths of despair just because it's comfortable to do so. You have come so far - Keep moving forward! Don’t give up! If you find it difficult to stay your course, remember where you were before you started this “SHIPSHAPE” journey and compare yourself to where you are now. If you are happier now than you were before, then choose to keep getting into shape. We are nearly home, free people! Let’s get SHIPSHAPE FOR PORT though it is RED SKY AT MORNING until we hear the barrelman say “LAND, HO!”
By Abigail Nimbalker
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