Last week, a grad school buddy messaged me and asked if I remembered a video we watched in school. Like most things in grad school, I must have blocked it out, but told her if she found it to send it to me. A few minutes later, I had a link to the video in my inbox. A prime example that social workers are expert problem solvers.
After watching this video that describes one woman’s journey through cancer treatments, I knew that I needed to share this with everyone. As a ACT practitioner, I know that the pursuit of happiness is a trap, so I was skeptical about the title. That being said, I endorse the idea that we should start and end our day with a routine that soothes us mentally, emotionally, and physically.
This past year has been like Bill Murray’s “Groundhog Day”. Days, weeks, months seem to pass by with no real change with this undercurrent of “no end in sight”. What I have been telling people is to create structure in their life to highlight the areas where we have control. That can look like setting up a to-do list, a morning and evening routine, setting workable goals and objectives, engaging in self-care. Whatever you do, focus on what you have control over.
This video suggests starting your day and ending your day finishing these statements:
- Today I am grateful for…
- Today I helped someone by…
- Something that made me happy today…
- Today I learned…
- Tomorrow I will…
I recommend watching the video and engaging in the process with one change. I would ask that you acknowledge your difficult experiences.
- Today I survived…
Here is the video. Let me know your thoughts.!
