This week, I am staying with my elderly parents, who I love but also drive me crazy. And things are extra tense because we’re Canadian and Trump is saying some wild things about making us a state (thanks but no thanks!). I chose to go walking in the snow every day, because I know I have to keep my mood up. Family might think I’m being silly but I know the alone time and movement keeps me grounded in a tense time
“If it takes a little weirdness to boost our mood, then I’m all for being weird.” 🤍
The most beautiful and real thing I have read lately. Especially when one day I was taking a deep breath, taking a sunbath and having a moment of gratitude while looking at the sky, it crossed my mind that people would think I was weird, but I really needed to take that pause. So this is a great reminder of how we need to do what our body, mind and soul need to do to be well no matter what.
Love this! This reminds me of a quote I heard recently - what you do not change, you choose - and I sincerely believe that staying in a funk is a choice (this does not of course apply to people who have mental health challenges).
This newsletter was so needed today. Fellow therapist here. Thank you 🩵 Your words, examples, and things that caught your attention are the most relatable content and resources out there. Many of the shows I enjoyed come from your recommendations. Given the chaos of the nation right now it is a good reminder to check in with ourselves.
Music Meditative if I am stressed is the antidote, reruns of Seinfeld, outside alone in nature, swimming at night in an isolated pool, bike riding on an off beaten path, writing poetry, songwriting, sleeping on sun warmed boulders overlooking the Ocean.
Thank you for this, Nedra. Your piece today reminded me of a mantra I learned from (I think) Dr. Nicole Pensak in her book, RATTLED. She wrote that sometimes we can say to ourselves, "I do not want to do this, but I will do it." This is helpful for me when I have to press on with completing a task, like laundry or dishes, or if I don't want to cook for a house full of kids who will just end up complaining about the meal.
But also this: just yesterday I noticed my mood was dark. I felt apathy about almost everything. I had no motivation, could not find a way to get out of that emotional funk. So I forced myself to get out of the house and take my dog Daisy for a nature walk. As we made our way around the block, I noticed a symphony of birdsong filling the neighborhood, so much that it sounded like spring! I spied a blue jay, black-capped chickadee, dark-eyed junco, downy woodpecker, cardinal, and chipping sparrow within a span of maybe five minutes.
Somehow this pulled me out of my head. It was a way for me to disconnect with the bleak, dismal mood and remember that good and beautiful things still exist all around me.
Carry a bell and ring it to feel more present - that was an interesting one. And then I thought about how I felt listening to my prayer bell and even the wind chimes - their soft, tinkling sound is rejuvenating.
This article really hit home for me! It’s so easy to get stuck in a funk and feel like there’s nothing we can do to break out of it, but recognising that we have the power to choose small actions that help shift our mood is such a game changer. It’s funny how often we resist doing the things that could help—whether it’s putting on a favourite song or even just stepping outside for a bit—but sometimes those little, “cheesy” actions are exactly what we need to give ourselves that nudge toward feeling better.
I love the idea of embracing the weirdness, too. Why not? If something lifts your mood, it doesn’t matter how strange it might seem to others. In fact, the things that make us feel good might just be the most authentic and real parts of us. And as for making lists of what’s bothering us and taking action on those things—what a simple yet powerful practice to create meaningful change.
So, what’s something that has been making me feel down lately? Maybe I need to grab a bell and ring it to shift my focus! 😉 Thanks for this reminder to choose the things that brighten my mood and own my weirdness along the way! 🌿🎶
Thank you for mentioning how hard it is for people with depression to not just be able to get up and "choose" to feel better. People forget when they're not in it 💗
This week, I am staying with my elderly parents, who I love but also drive me crazy. And things are extra tense because we’re Canadian and Trump is saying some wild things about making us a state (thanks but no thanks!). I chose to go walking in the snow every day, because I know I have to keep my mood up. Family might think I’m being silly but I know the alone time and movement keeps me grounded in a tense time
So good. It's the choosing that's important.
“If it takes a little weirdness to boost our mood, then I’m all for being weird.” 🤍
The most beautiful and real thing I have read lately. Especially when one day I was taking a deep breath, taking a sunbath and having a moment of gratitude while looking at the sky, it crossed my mind that people would think I was weird, but I really needed to take that pause. So this is a great reminder of how we need to do what our body, mind and soul need to do to be well no matter what.
Being "weirdly well" beats "cool but losing it."
This is an amazing line, I'll have to keep it.
Thank you very much 🤍.
Love this! This reminds me of a quote I heard recently - what you do not change, you choose - and I sincerely believe that staying in a funk is a choice (this does not of course apply to people who have mental health challenges).
Love that quote!
Is that a joke?
As always, great wisdom, thank you.
This newsletter was so needed today. Fellow therapist here. Thank you 🩵 Your words, examples, and things that caught your attention are the most relatable content and resources out there. Many of the shows I enjoyed come from your recommendations. Given the chaos of the nation right now it is a good reminder to check in with ourselves.
Now and always, check-in with ourselves.
I always tell myself there's two things you NEVER regret.
1. A hot shower or bath
2. A long walk
Instant booster.
Music Meditative if I am stressed is the antidote, reruns of Seinfeld, outside alone in nature, swimming at night in an isolated pool, bike riding on an off beaten path, writing poetry, songwriting, sleeping on sun warmed boulders overlooking the Ocean.
All of those things sound beautiful.
Thank you for this, Nedra. Your piece today reminded me of a mantra I learned from (I think) Dr. Nicole Pensak in her book, RATTLED. She wrote that sometimes we can say to ourselves, "I do not want to do this, but I will do it." This is helpful for me when I have to press on with completing a task, like laundry or dishes, or if I don't want to cook for a house full of kids who will just end up complaining about the meal.
But also this: just yesterday I noticed my mood was dark. I felt apathy about almost everything. I had no motivation, could not find a way to get out of that emotional funk. So I forced myself to get out of the house and take my dog Daisy for a nature walk. As we made our way around the block, I noticed a symphony of birdsong filling the neighborhood, so much that it sounded like spring! I spied a blue jay, black-capped chickadee, dark-eyed junco, downy woodpecker, cardinal, and chipping sparrow within a span of maybe five minutes.
Somehow this pulled me out of my head. It was a way for me to disconnect with the bleak, dismal mood and remember that good and beautiful things still exist all around me.
Love that quote from the book. I’ve never read it I’ll have to check it out!
It’s so worth it, Jenny!
Carry a bell and ring it to feel more present - that was an interesting one. And then I thought about how I felt listening to my prayer bell and even the wind chimes - their soft, tinkling sound is rejuvenating.
This was one of the biggest benefits of therapy. I was assisted in identifying both good and bad triggers.
Whoa! I had a really good sleep last night! Ah! Yesterday afternoon I had a long convo with a good friend! (Write that down...).
I'm humming and 'lighter' when the sun's shining (note that...)
But if I'm resisting what will likely help.. like journalling...just how serious am I? Why am I resisting? Am I afraid of something?
This article really hit home for me! It’s so easy to get stuck in a funk and feel like there’s nothing we can do to break out of it, but recognising that we have the power to choose small actions that help shift our mood is such a game changer. It’s funny how often we resist doing the things that could help—whether it’s putting on a favourite song or even just stepping outside for a bit—but sometimes those little, “cheesy” actions are exactly what we need to give ourselves that nudge toward feeling better.
I love the idea of embracing the weirdness, too. Why not? If something lifts your mood, it doesn’t matter how strange it might seem to others. In fact, the things that make us feel good might just be the most authentic and real parts of us. And as for making lists of what’s bothering us and taking action on those things—what a simple yet powerful practice to create meaningful change.
So, what’s something that has been making me feel down lately? Maybe I need to grab a bell and ring it to shift my focus! 😉 Thanks for this reminder to choose the things that brighten my mood and own my weirdness along the way! 🌿🎶
Thank you for mentioning how hard it is for people with depression to not just be able to get up and "choose" to feel better. People forget when they're not in it 💗
Always trust in your self-worth, to love who you are and to show this Love and care to others. ❤️🇬🇧