Reflecting on a personal journey of positivity, mindfulness and connection
Dear Diary
In a world where change is gaining velocity (speed with direction), finding moments of positivity, mindfulness and connection can be transformative.
Today, I thought I would delve into a personal journey where the simple act of embracing happy days and the art of note-taking came together, through the lens of some personal anecdotes and reflections.
Join me for a moment and explore the beauty of slowing down, appreciating the little things, and nurturing our mental and emotional health through positivity, mindfulness and human connection.
Practice #1: Oh, happy days!
For as long as I can remember, my mother has wished everyone around her a ‘Happy Monday’. Then I had a moment that enabled me to build on this and create an uplifting practice of my own.
The idea came to me while watching ‘Alice in Wonderland’ with my children. During the ‘Very Merry Unbirthday’ scene, it reminded me of the importance of finding ways to celebrate every day. And so, my practice of wishing others a ‘Happy [insert day of the week]’ has taken the place of the mechanical greeting more typically exchanged at the start of a day or conversation (think ‘Hi. How are you?’ ‘I’m fine. How are you?’). This sets a tone for me, with the aspiration of paying it forward to others.
Over time, it has been interesting to notice how this positivity gesture has become contagious. Nowadays, I am often struck by how many people greet me first with a ‘Happy [insert day of the week]’, before I even have a chance to say it myself. That realization in such moments always brings a smile to my face, and this small yet meaningful exchange has become a staple in my day.
Practice #2: Take note
Another practice in my repertoire is keeping a themed notebook by my side to jot down important notes, ideas or tasks for the day. In a world dominated by keyboards and screens, putting pen to paper not only helps me remember what’s essential but also serves as a moment of mindfulness amid the digital noise.
Over the years, inspirational covers have included:
- Every day is a fresh start.
- You got this.
- Follow your dreams.
- See the good in all things.
- Be awesome today.
- The best is yet to come.
When two practices collide
The inscription on the cover of my latest notebook reads ‘Happy Every Day!’.
For a time, this notebook will serve as both a friendly reminder to greet each day with positivity and gratitude, and to pay that forward by wishing this upon others too. And, when I turn to a fresh page, it becomes my space to…
- Capture an idea: Ideas can strike at any moment, and having a notebook allows me to quickly jot them down before they slip away. This can be particularly helpful during brainstorming sessions, when working on creative projects, or in those little gaps between meetings.
- Set an intention: I start each day with meditation. Since I work remotely much of the time, this is a mental commute of a sort. My morning meditation caps off with setting my intentions for the day. While I still have a task list on Microsoft To Do, I like to capture daily intentions in my notebook for easy access and inspiration throughout my day.
- Reflect and learn: My notebook is also a space for self-reflection. Writing down lessons learned, insights and achievements can help me nurture a growth mindset and a spirit of continuous improvement.
- Take a mindfulness break: Taking a break from screens and technology to write in a notebook can serve as a mindful activity, allowing your mind to reset and refocus. This can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being.
- Have a moment of creative expression: A notebook can be a canvas for creative expression, where I sketch ideas, journal or brainstorm solutions. Ideas for podcasts, predictions and this newsletter often start with a kernel of information jotted down in my notebook. I note it and forget it until I have time to come back to develop my thought.
- Support memory retention: Research shows that writing by hand can improve memory retention and comprehension. By using a notebook to record information, I remember and internalize for the long term.
With the help of my iPhone, it’s a breeze to digitize anything that needs to go beyond my trusty notebook. I am a fan of the image-to-text utility in the photo library when I need to share something with others in a pinch. It has come to decode my ‘chicken scratch’ well over time.
Take a moment to reflect
Hot off the heels of these personal experiences, I invite you to ask yourself:
- How do you spread positivity through simple gestures in your daily interactions?
- What practices can help you stay grounded and focused in our increasingly digital world?
- What small actions can you take to add moments of mindfulness to your day?
Remember, it’s the little things in life that make a difference. By sharing our personal stories and learning from one another, we can build a more supportive, positive and mindful community – something that will only take on added importance in the age of AI.
In the meantime, wishing you a Happy Every Day.
Categorised in: Communications
