My 25-Year-Old List of Things to Do When You’re Struggling – Episode 491
In the 90’s, while I was going through a very difficult time, someone shared with me a list of things I could do to make things better. That list was so helpful to me I’ve kept it for over 25 years. In this episode I’m sharing it with you. It might be helpful if you’re going through a hard time. It might be helpful if you’re not. Check it out.
Listen to this podcast episode now:
It was cloudy and the ground was wet when I woke up this morning. The forecast is for rainy weather.
I felt lazy. I didn’t feel like going on my regular morning walk. Usually, I’m highly motivated because I love to walk around Puddingstone Lake.
I stuck my hand out the back door. No rain. The Universe was telling me to put on my walking shoes. So, I did.
My walk was wonderful and while I was walking, I thought about my podcast because today (Friday) is the day I record it.
I didn’t feel like doing that either.
It was a long, stressful week. I wanted a day off.
The other side of my brain started harassing me. “Do it!”
Finally, I said, “I’m gonna let the Universe decide for me.”
At the end of my walk, a gentle rain started falling.
I love walking in the rain. As long as it’s not pouring, it’s one of my favorite things to do.
I felt very calm and peaceful and happy. I was grateful that the Universe had encouraged me to walk and then rewarded me with the opportunity to walk in the rain.
Just then, I remembered a small piece of paper that I’ve had for 25 years. It’s a list of things to do when you are struggling. A friend had given me this list over the phone in 1990 when I was going through a very difficult time.
So, the Universe told me to do a podcast to share this list with you. Here it is:
My 25-Year-Old List of Things to Do When You’re Struggling
- Pet a cat or dog. They like it and it’s good for you.
- Play with a child. They need to play and so do you.
- Enjoy a nap. Or just lay down with your eyes closed for a few minutes and breathe.
- Make hot tea. Herbal won’t wire you. Just holding it feels good and soothing.
- Take a walk with a friend or just take a walk. Get out of your head and get soothed by the natural world.
- Ask for a hug. Everyone needs one. More often than you think.
- Do something not useful but fun. Take a drive. Watch a movie when you should be working. Buy something you wouldn’t normally buy. Go to a museum just to hang out.
- Sit by a lake or stream or beach. I did that this morning. Being close to the energy of water is good for the soul.
- Work in the garden. Plant a seed. Cultivate a tree. Get your hands in the dirt. Keep something alive and watch it grow.
- It’s a 5000-year-old practice for mental peace, health and wisdom.
- Listen to your favorite music. Put it on, not as background but as the center of your attention.
- Do something you don’t do often that makes you happy. I buy toaster waffles.
- Read a novel. Put some time and effort into completing an important book. If you’re not into the reading thing, do an audiobook.
- Watch a sunset. Or a sunrise. See the world turn in real time.
- Sit with T Bear or your favorite stuffed animal. Even if you’re a dude. If you’re struggling, there’s no shame.
- Ask someone to nurture you. Ask for advice, or just for someone to listen. Ask for encouragement or validation. Or just ask to hang with someone that you know likes you.
Things have a tendency to get stressful as we approach the holidays. Print this out and hang onto it. If you’re struggling or even if you’re not, pick one of these and make it a daily habit. Share it with someone else who you think needs it.
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Take care of yourself for you as well as for the rest of us,
Ted
P.S. Listen to Ted in Your Head on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Soundcloud or TedinYourHead.com. Or, watch it on YouTube
