Feel-good Friday #12
Because happiness is a choice.
Morning all,
The season is changing here in London. Humid heat has given way to cooler, misty mornings, and the leaves are yellowing and starting to fall. The morning light has changed: there’s a sharper tone to the colours of the trees and the sky, which brings a crisp and refreshing mood (at least, when it’s not pouring with rain). The nights are shortening and there is a sense of slowing down and the start of a drawing in. It is the autumn equinox tomorrow, and I feel like it’s a time for balance: after the heat and pace of the summer, it’s a time to reflect on the past few months and rediscover balance and find equinimity. For me this feels like a time to slow down, regroup and nurture myself.
The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that this Substack has had a bit of a refresh. I wanted to flip the perspective and the outlook of my newsletter. The recommendations I make are positive and designed to comfort, console and inspire, and The Joy Decision seems to encompass the vibe I want this newsletter to have: one of there always being a choice and a way to find happiness and feel better. A friend of mine reminded me of Dr Edith Eger, Auschwitz survivor and bestselling author, who said that ‘courage is a choice’. (If you want to watch Dr Edith’s TED talk about how she survived and how courage guides her and can guide you too, watch it here.)
Looking after yourself, self-care, self-compassion — these are choices that sometimes do take courage. I like this perspective: you can choose joy, you can dig deep and find courage to take steps to improve your life from the inside, even if everything feels like it’s going to sh*t on the outside. I hope my weekly Friday recommendations and ideas inspire you and provide just a smattering of joy if you are in need of a lift. And do share this newsletter if you like it.
Let me know what you think of the new name!
Stay well — L.
Poem of the week. I like this poem very much — it reminds me that whenever I am feeling at sea or overwhelmed with worries, nature is a constant. It is a consolation and an inspiration. We are richly connected to nature, and it can be a great healer.
The Peace of Wild Things
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.Wendell Berry
from The Peace of Wild Things And Other Poems (Penguin, 2018)
Have a micro tidy. I was inspired by this article on mess and why it’s such an anxiety trigger, especially for women. I like the idea of having a micro tidy; rather than feeling overwhelmed by mess and and unable to even start tidying your house, just have a 5-minute burst. Sometimes clutter can really weigh us down, and autumn is a good moment to clear the crap and set some boundaries with other household members about what is and isn’t acceptable, for everyone’s mental health. Happy tidying.
Quote of the week. I have been enjoying listening to Michelle Obama’s podcast on Audible, The Light Podcast. She’s so inspiring, and such a pro. Anyway, she said this and I liked it, so I am sharing it with you. :)
If you have enjoyed this newsletter please subscribe and share!
Thanks