Sunday Selfie - Small Steps

Small steps lead to completed journeys. That's my deep thought for the day.

This past week has been worrisome for all of us. And people in the "at risk" clubs - people with chronic illnesses, already in treatment for disease, immune compromised, medical personnel and, yes, the old - monitor each cough and ache with magnifying glasses and fine tooth combs.

Add losing an hour's sleep last weekend to that - and full moon, etc. superstitious baggage - and we are worn down with worry.

Each morning this week, I woke up feeling cranky and reluctant to engage with the chores of life itself. Where was my handmaiden to offer me juice and golden toast slices as I shrugged off slumber? Could no one free me of the chains of domestic drudgery?

Then yesterday I FORCED myself to do some yoga before I went downstairs. After a total of 8 minutes of stretching my mood improved.  I found some energy and ordered seeds and plants for my garden!  Whoo hoo! Things were looking up.

I took a walk. A walk, I say! Outside in the sunshine, under the trees - a beautiful walk! It might have been the sun that made me abandon my frown.

Fred understood the value of small - teeny-tiny - steps.

I think not. The act of forcing myself to actually take care of myself was the small step to a better day.

I am a Sitter. (If Sitting was an Olympic sport, I would medal in it.) Sitters avoid sports and unneeded physical exertion. Yoga and a walk, all in a single day- for me that is tantamount to climbing a mountain. I am so proud of myself.

For Do-ers, those who exercise every day as a matter of course, a small step to break gloom and worry might include taking time to engage in a hobby or taking time to sit still.

In Happiness in Five Minutes a Day, Vince Chiles, LCSW, encourages people to do five exercises a day: Wake Up Surprised, Take a Break to Re-Energize, Take a Break to be Creative, Learn Something New, and Go to Bed Grateful.  Vince describes how even one minute of a new or different activity can break the cycle of grump and worry.

(Full disclosure here: Vince is my younger brother. But his book's program makes sense and is easy to follow.)

Small steps, everyone. If this world class Sitter can banish worry with a small step, so can you.

PS. I did yoga and walked today, too. I surprise myself!