Look for the ladybugs

2021 was a challenging year for so many of us. I mean who are we kidding – it was rough! I don’t know about you but I am so glad to turn the calendar to 2022. 

Without going into specifics, here are some of the things I “survived” in 2021 (besides the pandemic): personal health issues, family members health issues,, mental health challenges, I took a break from my business, started a full-time job, quit a full-time job, kids struggled in college/high school, aging parents, and the list goes on. 

I’m sure you have your own list a mile long. So many people I know are going through something right now. The last year took a toll on me too.

I fell into a deep depression and felt totally stuck there. My anxiety level was at an all time high. Truthfully there were days when I felt like I couldn’t get out of bed.

All I kept saying to myself was “I WILL get through this. I am a survivor” even when it felt like everything was falling apart. 

There were bright spots in spite of the gray cloud I found myself in: a vacation to Hilton Head, a trip to Florida to visit my parents, success in my professional career, time with family, a wonderful Thanksgiving, watching Ted Lasso…

Now the fog seems to be lifting and I’m feeling so much more hopeful about 2022. How about you?

I want you to know you are not alone. Even people who appear to have it all together on the outside face their own demons on the inside. 

So, I thought I would share with you some things that got me through it, in case you are facing something similar or just need a pick-me-up right now.

1. Notes to Self – I posted sticky notes with inspiring and positive messages all over the house; on my bathroom mirror, in my car, on my desk, etc. – mindset is everything.
2. Books – I’ve always been an avid reader and when faced with a challenge I go for books. Recently I read Will Smith’s biography “Will” and found it very inspiring and motivating.
3. Tapping – I learned about EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping years ago from a friend, but only recently started daily tapping. It is a super simple, no cost method for meditation and calming your nervous system around whatever challenge you’re facing.  If you’re not familiar with tapping, check out the Tapping Solution.
4. Movies – watching comedy or inspirational movies always helps you escape to a positive place. I highly recommend watching  “In the Heights” (Lin Manuel Miranda’s first musical) on HBO, “Tick Tick Boom” on Netflix and “The Tender Bar” on Prime Video.
5. Music – Blast your favorite music and dance around the house! For me, it’s anything from the 80’s!
6. Ted Lasso – If you haven’t seen Ted Lasso yet, go now and binge watch all seasons of inspirational episodes.
7. Get professional help – don’t be afraid to get professional help, whether it’s a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist, a mental health professional can help you get unstuck and moving forward quickly.
8. Plan a trip – plan a trip (hopefully somewhere warm!). Getting out of town for a few days does wonders for your mental outlook. Give yourself a break. Even if it’s just a long weekend – get out of town.
9. Exercise – I had gotten out of the practice of exercising during the pandemic. Making a goal to exercise for 30 minutes just 3 days a week has made a huge difference in my body and mind.
10. Look for the Ladybugs – During the dark days, look for the small cues in your daily routine that remind you of the beauty in nature and the world. For me, I started noticing the tiny ladybugs that were showing up in my house as the cold weather set in. Somehow these little ladybugs began to symbolize hope and renewal for me every day and made me smile.