Rabbi Danya RuttenbergHere’s one little thing that you can do to make every day a little better. And that might even (shh don’t tell) have a cumulative effect.
1/x thread.
Go get a pen and paper. Or a pencil, something. But analog writing. (If you’re somewhere where writing on paper is actually impossible or need an accommodation, use your notes app and email to yourself later. But transfer to actual paper later if you can!)
Then write down a list of at least ten things that fill you up, bring you joy. (Not things that “relax” you in a numbing-out way (binging tv or getting wasted or etc) but that fill your well. That make you feel more whole afterward.
Could be exercise, singing, writing, dancing, meditating, praying, reading poetry, writing poetry, crafting, journaling, gardening, baking or cooking, playing with your pet or kid, building stuff, tea with that one friend, I dunno.
It’s your list.
Got your list? Written down, on paper?
Good.
Now put it up somewhere you’ll encounter it a lot.
The bathroom mirror.
Over your desk.
Above that one photo by your bed.
On the fridge door.
You know where it goes.
Now, every time you come home after a hard day (or are home after a hard day) you know what to do.
There’s that list there reminding you that you can read a poem or take a walk or put on some Lizzo or whatever your things are. One will be right for right now. It’ll help. Really.
Do one of the things.
You’re allowed to do one or even more than one!! even if it’s a great day or a fine day. Even then.
(Actually it’s recommended to do at least one a day, if possible! But at minimum on the hard days. Some of those don’t take long, you know?)
New systems to give yourself more nourishment for the new year.
And beyond.
♥️