My cat Misha is a token “Kawaii,” because, you know, just looking at cute things can help us feel more positive about each other. Awwww…. She looks like she needs a cuddle. I call her my pink kitty.
Something is in the air pushes me to focus on DELIGHT this year.
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Created by Mental Health America started the awareness campaign in 1949 to provide Americans with tools and resources as part of their outreach program to improve mental health.This year the Theme is “You are not alone.”
What a fitting theme following a year of such aloneness for everyone. I think most of us can relate.
As a reminder of what delight can do for us, here’s a bit of inspiration from NPR.
Here’s a few other things that delighted me this week:
Blossoms everywhere: Every day there’s a new delight outside. As the daffodils fade, the tulips bloom. I especially like finding bulbs coming up where I didn’t plant them. Like this resilient little tulip surprise. Woah! I never realized until this very moment that my portrait setting blurred out the tulip stem. A floating tulip. How delightful!
Nurturing books: Right now I’m reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Each time I pick it up, I feel nurtured by the author’s words. The latest bit explained the Native American custom of “three sisters,” planting a bean and corn and a squash seed together. They each play their part in supporting each other and yet remaining autonomous, yielding more in the end than if they grew alone. I have five sisters, so I truly understand how sisters nurture and support, helping me be my best (even if sometimes it’s not all that delightful.)
Frogs jumping and fish swimming in the pond: The fish are almost at the point where they will eat out of my hand. The spring algae is in control and the lily pads are making their way to the surface. All’s right with the world.
I hope you find delight this week.
I know it makes me feel better to jot down a few things to remind myself how much delight I have in my life.
My state now has 47% of its population with at least one dose of vaccine. Once we reach 50%, we’ll enter Phase 5, “Illinois Restored.” Still, we’re seeing cases ebb and flow. I hope we know enough to stay safe until we get through this final lap.
What’s happening in India makes me weep. We need 80% of people with antibodies to be at herd immunity.
In the meantime, don’t forget to practice the five Ws:
- Wear a mask when inside or in crowds;
- Watch your distance,
- Wash your hands, and
- Work together to overcome hesitancy.
- We’ll Win this war.
It’s okay to wear your mask, even if those around you are not. I’m not sure I’ll ever stop watching my distance, and hand washing is always a good idea.
How about you? What absolutely filled you with delight this week? Please share. Chances are you will delight me!