A couple of weeks ago, I shared some tips for doing a Happiness Jar, which I usually do at the end of the day. It’s an evening ritual that’s brought me so much joy, so I wanted to share.
I also have a morning ritual, and the title of this post is not mere clickbait. It is factually, objectively, cheesy, and I’m sharing it anyway.
But first, some real talk.
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I’m a happy person, and it hasn’t always been that way. In the past, I’ve had struggles with depression that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, if I had any enemies.
I don’t talk a lot about that now, because I’ve changed so much. For years now, happiness has been my baseline. When I feel “meh” rather than happy, I stop myself and ask what that’s all about. That’s how normal happiness is to me.
But the fact that I’ve been doing so well for so long is exactly why I should talk about my past struggles with depression once in a while.
When you struggle with depression, it’s easy to believe that it’s an immutable fact about you, like your adult height or the color of your eyes. For me, it was important to say, No. This is what I’m going through right now, but it’s not my identity, and it’s not my destiny.
People manage or recover from depression in different ways. Sometimes, it’s the right medication. I have not taken any drugs for a long time, but I absolutely would if I needed them again. When you take action to keep yourself healthy, through medication, therapy, asking for help from friends, or whatever, that is a sign of strength. That’s putting up a fight.
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And sometimes, people can manage or recover from depression through an array of things that seem absolutely ridiculous but happen to work. Welcome to my world!
So here’s my morning ritual.
I start off by lighting a candle, and then there are basically three parts.
1. I say all of the things I am grateful for.
I usually do this in my head. This is directed to the Divine as I conceive it, but you absolutely could do this as a religious-but-not-spiritual person (just thanking the universe, maybe), or as an atheist (just saying “I am grateful for…”)
Now here’s the twist — and I’ve talked about this principle before. I also say thank you for the good things that haven’t happened yet. I express gratitude for all the blessings in my future.
2. I do my affirmations.
In my Franklin planner, I have written out a bunch of positive affirmations about myself.
This got me right in the feels. Depression is something I struggle with every single day. I love your ritual, especially the part where you write down and say out loud all the great things about yourself (and I can tell you that they are more than just words…all of that is really true about you!).
And your new planner cover is SO CUTE! I love it. 🙂
I didn’t even know Frankie’s were still a thing! You have inspired me to write a blog post today!
Hahaha, neither did I until last year! I had a Franklin for ears… and then I didn’t have one for years, since I had an iPhone… but then last year I realized I really, really missed having one! I have everything in there… notes from meetings, notes for stories and blog posts, you name it.
I’ll check out your blog post! 🙂
Take your time! I have to get the kids to school, have a an IEP meeting, get hubby to work, then write as I do some shopping!
I don’t think this is cheesey at all. It’s awesome! Bryn, you are just the best 😀
What Cassandra says. I see this is beautifully empowering, and just wonderful. <3
Love your ritual! Whatever works, right? Most of us don’t take the time to do things for ourselves–things that seem small or yes, even cheesy but it can make a big difference to our lives and the way we see and express ourselves.
This is so great! A nice reminder to be thankful, not only for what you have now, but for what’s to come. I really love that part?
“When you struggle with depression, it’s easy to believe that it’s an immutable fact about you, like your adult height or the color of your eyes. For me, it was important to say, No. This is what I’m going through right now, but it’s not my identity, and it’s not my destiny.” – This is so, so important. Because the temptation to give up and decide it’s just Who You Are can be so strong, and deciding to actively fight against that has been what this entire last year has been for me. I’m trying to force myself to be more positive (it doesn’t come naturally for me and never has), and you are definitely a source of inspiration. Growing up I literally used to think it was impossible to be a happy person and an informed/smart/woke/whatever person at the same time, because all I saw in the world was ugliness. It was an attitude that never did me any favors. Anyway, sorry for the long-ass comment- great post as usual. Gonna give the affirmation stuff another try I think. xo
This is something I believe in whole heartedly. I kept a gratitude journal in which I would write ten things I was grateful for each day. Plus adding affirmations and review goals I want to accomplish for myself, but also to help establish some for my kids. This article inspired me to dust of my journal, write some affirmations, set new goals, and kick myself in gear. Sometimes, we get so busy we don’t take time for just the smallest things and it’s those things that help us through the day with kindness and love.
That is awesome, CJ. And I should probably add I do edit my goals on occasion. 🙂
“…it’s those things that help us through the day with kindness and love.” So well said!