A Fight With My Kettle
I think we can collectively agree that there is a lot going on in the world right now…and that’s an understatement. For a brief second there, it felt like the world stopped in the wake of the pandemic. A couple of us probably jinxed the world by thinking and saying something along the lines of “How could this get any worse?” The world’s pre-existing problems and a whole butt-ton more of them proceeded to slap us in the face.
This isn't exactly a new thing; the world has had problems as long as our complicated human selves have inhabited the place and they will unfortunately continue in one way or another. What I want to address is how we, or more to the point of this blog, I, am interacting with them.
Our world is filled with good and bad. We all know that. Yin and yang, if you will (I’ve been watching a lot of Avatar: The Last Airbender lately). In times like these, with what we see on the news and the stresses of daunting phrases like “global pandemic”, it’s hard not to get consumed by the negativity. It’s hard not to lose faith in humanity, the system, society, the world… whatever it is. For lack of a better explanation, it’s essentially the world is out of balance. The swirl of negativity and imbalance causes a positive feedback loop. Whether it is something in your personal life, a local issue bothering you or a worldwide movement, the imbalance starts to feed off itself. Once you’re consumed by it, it fuels you. It takes over everything you do, usually in ways you don’t even realize. Did you need to get so irritated and aggressive over a simple mistake? Were you so disgruntled about something that it was hard to get out of bed and be productive? It can eat at you in small ways and you’ll write it off or justify it.
I’ll be the first to admit I've been far more moody since this has all been going down. I like to think of myself as someone who has a generally well-balanced perspective, but the little things have been creeping under my skin making me more irritable. Honestly, I didn’t notice until it got ridiculous. But, I finally did the other day. I had overfilled the kettle and got so impatient at the kettle for taking a long time to boil that I left the room to give the kettle the silent treatment...I thought that leaving so I couldn’t hear the cheerful little bell when it was done was a suitable punishment...because you know how kettles are sentient and have feelings…
So... moving away from my slide into cranky, irrational old-manhood... like Grandpa Simpson yelling at a cloud… How does one stay positive when surrounded by stress and the 2020's seemingly endless crises?
During tough times, especially with all the free time I’ve had locked in with myself, (shout out to Australia here for helping kick Coronavirus in the butt btw) I’ve been able to stop and consider how to battle the negativity that seems to be pouring into us from every angle. I realize right now we need to work extra hard to find the goodness in all things. The silver lining in the bad moments. More than that, to remember all the good things that can be hard to appreciate in the tidal wave of all this. A good cup of hot tea (if the kettle accepts my apology). A fun chat with a friend. Your niece’s first haircut. Your dog’s silly antics.
Thoughts are not a bad thing, we don't need to get rid of them. But we need to learn how to process them, become comfortable with them and importantly realize that they are just that. Thoughts. All, in all, do whatever you can to calm your mind, process the negativity going on, and focus on the positivity.
Suggestions
Now I know all my lecturing about positivity can only get you so far, so if you need some suggestions to get you started, check out my top five below.
1. Read a book.
Re-read an old favorite or get around to reading that book you’ve been meaning to forever. Get yourself away from the screens and the seemingly endless viral this and that and throw yourself into the comfort of the literary world.
How I’m Doing This: I’ve recently read Eternal Bones by Norman Link and Annie Gaffey. The first in a series about a vampire private detective who uses her extensive knowledge of history (from living through it) to solve mysteries. I’m currently reading book two, Eternal Apostle.
2. Drink tea and have a moment to yourself.
Okay, maybe tea isn’t your cup of tea. Get it? I’m hilarious. Anyway, cozy up, get a calming drink of some sort and just look around. Appreciate the comforts of home, your loved ones with you, your pets, the roof over your head, or the sun on your face. Just remember the little things and, most importantly, breathe.
How I’m Doing This: The kettle and I have made amends and I have a cup of black tea with a splash of protein-rich milk to kickstart me and one of peppermint tea at night to feel cozy.
3. Watch something with a buddy.
Now, I know many of us have taken up binging during this time. Honestly, the streaming services already know that this has become the premier form of escapism and are chucking a lot of content our way. But, it’s really easy to do this alone and shut down not just the outside world but yourself. If you enjoy it with a loved one then you have someone to talk to about it and it helps keep you grounded and not isolated, while still enjoying the crazy, endless content.
How I’m Doing This: As you know from my blog post Quarantine and Chill, you know I’ve been happily binging with my mum and Q. I recommend: Upload, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Space Force (what is America doing with that in real life anyway?)
4. Complain.
Yes, you read that right. The negative thoughts shouldn’t just be shoved down. They’ll fester until you have a meltdown and that’s no fun for anyone. I heard a great piece of advice once that said, when someone needs to talk about something it’s good to ask “Do you want me to: Try to fix it, give advice, or just listen.” Everyone processes differently. Identifying what you need will maximize your catharsis and processing and the help the other person can give you.
How I’m Doing This: Well, I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. I complain. And even better, I listen to people who need to complain, too.
5. Take on a daunting, productive goal for your life.
In times like these, one of the worst things is that it makes us feel powerless. And, in a lot of respects we are. We can’t fix the world’s problems right now, no matter how much we want to. But, what we can do, is make the world a better place by bettering ourselves. Being brave and taking on something daunting you’ve always wanted to do for yourself can help you regain that feeling of power and confidence needed to make a difference. Learn an instrument. Enroll in a class. Create. Learn. Love. All those other buzzwords.
How I’m Doing This: Oh man, I’ve had so many ideas about this one. Right now, I’m participating in webinars put on by the AIS about self-branding, financial skills, and presentation. Additionally, I’m looking into renewing my Personal Training certification and looking at possible uni courses.
Maybe what works for me will work for you, maybe not. Honestly, I wrote this piece as my little attempt to try and make the world a better place by passing on these thoughts with you all. It helped me feel less powerless. I hope you all do too.