How to Get Happy in Weird Times

I do this amazing practice called Sitting for Guidance that I learned from my mentors, Marci Shimoff & Debra Poneman. Most days, I get out my journal with the intention of communicating with my higher self to see what comes through.

Many days, it’s kind of a list of things to do. Other days, the practice reveals ideas that I never could have made up. And then other times, it’s full of encouragement and deep wisdom. 

Here’s the message I’ve been getting lately: write, write, write, Write, WRITE!

It seems like Spirit is trying to tell me something…

And so here we are; me writing, you reading - a match made in heaven. I realize I’ve been out of touch with you. And sometimes things like that are ok. Until they’re not. Which brings us to this point.

Here’s what I would like to share with you.

Although the Great Pause (pandemic) has been stressful for many people, I’ve truly never been happier. Perhaps if I share a few reasons why, that would be helpful for you. 

Warning: Some of these ideas may seem ridiculous or outlandish. Some of them could cause a very strong reaction in you. I recommend that, as you read the suggestions, notice how you react, because in that reaction, there will be some good information for you.

And now, here’s my:

8- Turn off the news

It’s designed to make you feel worried, anxious and scared. Because fear sells. My husband and I stopped consuming the news in September of 2001 (any guesses why?) and our happiness has increased exponentially. And don’t worry. You can still stay informed without the hype. I always trust that I’ll somehow hear about everything that’s important and that’s what continues to happen. 

7- Go outside every day

and while you’re there, pay attention to nature. Walking around while staring at your screen doesn’t count. Be present to what’s going on around you, absorb it and pay attention. Feel your feet on the ground, notice the colours, breath in the scents, listen to the birds (or jackhammers, if you live in a place where there's oh-so-much construction going on right now).

6- Stay connected with people you like.

Make an effort to talk to your friends (and family too, if you like them). Laugh together. Do fun things together. If no one’s reaching out to you, then take action and be the instigator of good times.

5- Get in the habit of reviewing what’s working

Notice how you’re spending your time and write down your plans. I do a weekly Sacred Success Sunday Review and it’s one of the most powerful and worthwhile practices I’ve ever done. It's valuable to notice what's working and what's not.

4- Focus on cultivating your health

If you find yourself having more pity parties than you'd like, get creative and figure out how you can be in service. Make a list. There are endless ways that you could help others, whether it’s loved ones, friends, neighbours or even strangers. Perhaps you start doing some random acts of kindness. Whatever you choose, you’ll notice that a huge cloud will lift off your shoulders when you get into service. (And if you’re already doing a lot for others, remember, you can also be in service to yourself).

3- Be in service

If you find yourself having more pity parties than Eeyore, get creative and figure out how you can be in service. Make a list. There are endless ways that you could help others, whether it’s loved ones, friends, neighbours or even strangers. Perhaps you start doing some regular acts of kindness. Whatever you choose, you’ll notice that a huge cloud will lift off your shoulders when you get into service. (And if you’re already doing a lot for others, remember, you can also be in service to yourself).

2- Do daily practices that increase your energy

and that contribute to your overall well-being. Every day, I do things like meditation, breathwork, Donna Eden’s Daily Energy Routine, trace my meridians, affirmative stretching and write out gratitudes. Yep, it definitely takes time to do these things, and it’s time incredibly well-spent.

As an added bonus, I don’t worry a bit about immunity because I put in the effort with these practices to have vibrant health from the inside out. What daily practices can you incorporate to generate energy? Start out with one thing you'll do every day. You’ll get more energy circulating and then you can add additional practices from there.

1- Lighten up and have more fun

In the book called the Art of Possibility, I learned about Rule #6, which is: Don’t take yourself so G-D seriously. There are no other rules. Just that one. It was a hard one for me to swallow, as I used to take everything incredibly seriously. Everything was a REALLY BIG DEAL. 

But guess what happened? Once I learned to have more fun, I started having so much more fun! 

What can you do that’s fun? You have to plan for it. You may even need to reflect on what it is that you consider to be fun. Again, time well spent.

If you can’t think of anything, I recommend my practice of Ugly Awkward Dancing. Put on a rockin’ tune and then dance. It doesn’t matter how it looks. If you really want over-the-top fun, shake your booty. It’s impossible to be grumpy or serious with your pelvis flying all over the place. 

There you have it. Notice how those recommendations landed for you. Any triggers in there? Already doing some of them? Feeling resistant or hesitant? You can learn a lot about how you're showing up in life by reflecting on what the suggestions elicited. 

And the ones that really brought something up? Start with those. They’ll provide the most opportunity for growth.

So long for now.

With piles of love and buckets of courage,

Christina