Home is a place where all emotions can be felt. I hope this is true for you. Sad is an emotion often arising daily these last few months. Sadness over what people are missing; over jobs lost; over lives lost; over harms being intentionally caused in our communities; and over businesses that may not rebound to survive.
Sad emotions can overwhelm us in response to our own circumstances, community events, world happenings, and even to things like the weather. A changed circumstance may cause sadness. Too much rain and overcast skies compared to normal weather patterns in a place can prompt sadness too. When feeling sad, pause and listen to yourself to learn what is creating the emotion. Pause to take care of yourself. Some days need us to reflect and find our way around the sadness so that we can look for happiness.
The opposite of sad is happy, cheerful, amused, or even fortunate. Amidst the world’s sadness, I acknowledge and feel it too. I also look for moments of joy, good cheer, and hope. For instance, spring 2020 has delivered an abundance of flowers and vegetation along with the promise of a bountiful harvest this fall.
Weddings, memorials, graduations, and birthday celebrations are happening in creative new ways. Driving parades to honk and wave hello. Decorated house exteriors with driveway gatherings so people can keep physically distanced. Smaller events indoors with larger receptions outdoors. Creativity abounds.
I conscientiously acknowledge the sadness others feel and that I feel. I also diligently search for at least one thing each day that will make me smile, allow me to pass along a smile or some laughter, and to cheerfully celebrate the good things happening in people’s lives.
What do you choose? Are going to choose to stay stuck in sad – your own or the world’s, or both – or to search for the cheerful, amusing, and happy things that appear during your day?
If you can choose, you are fortunate indeed!
Nesting is about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. Without home, it is difficult to maintain health, find joy, or to be productive. Enjoy the Nesting series of blogs on your search for and creation of a deep sense of home. –Jana
Jana Kemp
