Things to appreciate for a richer life
1) The Sun Shining
Even if you live somewhere where the sun shines regularly, appreciate that warmth and the fact that your body is making vitamin D. Sunshine is good for the body and the mind.
2) Birdsong
Birdsong reminds me that all the frenetic activity goes on, and the birds still sing at the beginning and end of it all. It’s a reminder to slow down, to listen to nature and not take life too seriously.
3) A kind deed from a stranger
When someone smiles or lets you in the traffic during rush hour, take time t appreciate this small kindness.
4) Animals/Pets
There’s no game playing with animals, they love you unconditionally. Treat them well.
5) Yourself
Instead of being hard on yourself and focusing on your perceived negative bits, think about how clever your body is – it works when you need it to. Gets you to places, helps you communicate and express yourself and allows you to feel and experience life. I used to dislike my body because I have Cystic Fibrosis but then I reframed this by thinking how well my body has coped with all the extra challenges it has had compared to a ‘healthy’ body. It’s all about perception.
Say it to yourself often “I love my clever little body, I love who I am”.
6) Music
A powerful way to boost your mood. Use it to your advantage
7) Genuine people in your life
Look after those people in your life that are always there for you, care for you and check in on you. They are a special gift to be cherished.
8) Fleeting Happiness
Happiness isn’t a state that remains endlessly. It appears in spurts…a sudden realisation that life is good at a certain moment. I get it sometimes when sharing a silly joke with my son or playing rough-and-tumble with Socks, my Yorkshire Terrier..although the image of chucking pairs of socks around a room for entertainment does make me smile – wacky!
Slow down, remind yourself of the little things in life that we often miss in our quest to complete our daily “to-do” lists. Life will be richer for it.
Mandy X
Photo by country_boy_shane 
Photo by country_boy_shane
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
I’m a big believer in embracing the little things and making a larger, present moment for them. When life is really difficult, it can be easy to shut ourselves down from every thing, even the nice things. But we have the opportunity to deliberately accept the small beautiful things and moments that drop like gentle rain into even a challenging life. Your list is a great example of this.
The sun’s shining today – it makes even cold weather tolerable.
This is my list of personal blessings. I appreciate them whenever possible. I appreciate you, Mandy. Thanks darlin’! xo