Good Things

Where have they gone?*

I am frequently inspired by fellow writers, and one who consistently inspires me to write is Lyz Lenz. Today she briefly wrote about burnout and asked her readers what’s burning them out lately, and what do they do to combat the burnout?

Some days I think I was born burned out. It seems like there’s always something. As of late, I’m burned out by several factors: global events, the idiocracy that is social media and/or the political landscape in the USA, the pandemic, looking for W2 employment (or any paying work), battling whatever physical health challenge I’m dealing with in the moment.

When I am journaling and I reach a point where I realize all the bitching & ranting is not necessarily helping me to feel at ease, I often stop and write a list of good things. This is not the same as a gratitude list. I tend to think gratitude lists and the phrase “practice gratitude” are bullshit, because so often people trot out gratitude as a way to shut someone down when they really need to feel heard and understood. But a Good Things list makes me smile because I’m remembering all the bright spots and good things around me, the ones that provide comfort or sweetness or laughter.

What’s on my Good Things list today:

• two goofy cats that provide entertainment and snuggles

• fun games on my phone

• texting with Deena about Connections and Wordle in the morning

• cold brew coffee with the perfect amount of almond milk and liquid stevia

• seeing a woodpecker for the first time in years (photo coming in this week’s Friday Bitch and Brag)

• gorgeous spring flowers in the neighborhood

• nods and hellos to neighbors on my walk

• comfy Old Navy dress

• fun baubles to wear

• a small tube of L’Occitane shea hand cream that one of my sewing group friends gave me (I love this stuff for dry hands & keep it on my desk)

What’s on YOUR Good Things list today? Comments are open to everyone!

*H/T to Fine Young Cannibals and my brain that operates in song lyrics