Mood

Mood

Feelings. Mind state or mental status. Changeable. Evolving. Temporary. Transient. Impactful.

What is it that has such a profound affect on our mood. That changes the course of our life. The decisions we make. The perspectives we take or consider. Mood may be the largest greatest biggest determinant of my day. Every day. And a series of unfortunate events. How to dig yourself out of a hole of sorrow or pain.

I just came back from a beautiful walk with Macy and two of the dogs- Nala and Cooper. The sun is out and the weather was brisk but a sweatshirt did the trick. And I realize that my mood has been lovely today. I made a strawberry pie for the first time (they were going to go bad so it was necessary) while listening to the soulful sounds of Ellis Marsalis (a legendary artist who succumbed to Coronavirus, may he rest in peace and harmonious sounds) and imagined myself in Preservation Hall. So what makes today different. And can I carbon copy this for every day. Replicate goodness.

Sleep. The first most essential vital elemental driver of my mood each day is super dependent on how much and quality of my sleep. I felt somewhat restless last night with a sense of being incredibly busy burdened with dreams. But still I slept. And J.P. got up with the dogs this morning.  Those two things set me on the right track.

And then almost as important necessary to my very soul existence being. The sun. Waking up to a beautiful day filled with the promise of Vitamin D and the ability to go for a walk or run. Ahh. My sanctuary of escape. To be outside.

Checking that laundry has been (mostly) done and the house does not look trashed (because I spent the first couple of days this week in a tornado hurricane of cleaning) and my people are up and engaged in productive activities. And breakfast. My favorite meal of the day. In between dog meds and love and affection and dishes and anything else. So my eggs may be cold but that’s ok because breakfast. And caffeine.

So, now I am feeling that perhaps my mood is a bit high maintenance. Sleep, lack of responsibility for the dogs first thing in the morning (I’m actually ok doing this so I feel it’s acceptable to remove this from the list), weather (specifically sun), orderliness, food.

And physical activity. And goals purpose reason for the day. Something tangible to accomplish. Music helps. I like listening to NPR but I’m feeling rather like I need to limit my daily intake of all media. Too much is not healthy for me.

So that’s sleep, sun, order of some kind (which is really another way of describing a sense of control over my life and all its elements), food (and caffeine), physical activity, music and minimal “news”.

Wagging tails and happy creatures also add to my day. I love seeing and feeling happy. Pure joy of being alive. Of food and getting outside.

Wait. Am I like my dogs on the whole mood scale affect impact of things. Ahhh… Yes. I think so.

Also getting to try something new or challenge myself in a novel way.

And interaction with friends.

(Now I’ve hit a sore spot. Because it feels looks smells so very different. So unnatural and unhappy. So bleah and blah and wrong.)

Except. If you think about it. It’s a small price to pay for saving lives.

Ok. So. During this whole new weird thing we are traversing assessing trying to wrap our heads around. In this whole universe that feels newly adorned with suffering and sadness. What can we do. To help ourselves. To comfort. Maybe even others. Possibly strangers.

Mood. A good mood is like a domino effect. When I’m in one, I try to think of things ways approaches to help others. To be thankful. Show appreciation. Be grateful.

Just one single solitary small gesture. On my part. Can brighten my day. Perhaps more so than those for whom it is intended bestowed provided.

And it doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Reach out. Reach in. Thank someone. Bake a pie. Provide a hug- in person if you share quarantine space. Virtual for those you don’t. Like a post. Make a funny comment. Text a cute pic. Share an amusing story. Call a friend.

Or if you have the means. Order food from local restaurants. Find ways to support small businesses. Provide gift cards or catering for medical staff. For people providing care under stressful conditions. For essential workers who are supporting us and leaving their families every day.

Plant flowers. Weed the garden. Pick up trash (use gloves). Teach your dog a trick.

Learn a new skill. Enjoy a master class. Smile at someone passing by.

Find your joy. Dissect those elements that positively affect your mood. Try to replicate those every day if possible. Or some approximate facsimile.

Now is the time to look inward. Find your happy. Create that as much as possible in your daily life.

Yes, there are limitations and restrictions. Do not let those get in your way. Find your happy in spite of it all.

And know that some days, it’s ok to want to pull the covers over your head. But think about the domino effect that one smile, one small gesture. Can gift to the world.

(Photo of Macy’s move in day at Northeastern. We were in such incredibly positive aspirational moods. And while things have changed, I remain so very proud of my daughters and their sense of self and humor throughout this strange period of time)