You get more of what you notice.
Too often, we notice and grumble about things that aren’t going well and people who annoy us. There are so many challenges in the world right now, I’m not going to bother to list them here. You already know them, and notice them, too readily. And unfortunately, the more we notice them, the grumpier we get. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle, but one we have the power to stop.
I recently read an opinion piece in The Washington Post entitled “21 Good things that happened in 2021.” Each year, The Post publishes a piece like this, increasing the list of good things according to the number of the year. A challenging exercise, but a worthwhile one. Because perhaps if we spend more time focusing on the good things happening out there, we won’t be as discouraged by the bad things.
Whether or not you are a Christian, this verse from Philippians offers useful advice:
Looking back on 2021
So let’s start by looking back at 2021 and taking notice of good things that happened. I won’t bore you with 21 good things from my life, but I will list a few for inspiration.
Good thing #1: My new puppy, who is energetic and curious and forces me to stay focused on the present. When I take her for a walk, if I sink into spiraling thoughts, my puppy invariably starts pulling on her leash or eating something disgusting, as if she knows I need the cue to escape my unhelpful musings.
- Good thing #2: A true family vacation in July after months of limited travel and contact during the pandemic.
- Good thing #3: Love and support from family and friends while I took care of my dying father.
- Good thing #4: Finding jeans that fit. (Thank you, Stitch Fix!)
Prepping for 2022
Now it’s your turn. Think of 21 things from 2021, however big or small, that were good. I dare you to write them down. (Writing often helps me process and solidify ideas; it might do the same for you.) Perhaps this could be a New Year’s Eve activity to enjoy with friends and family, or a quiet meditation you practice by yourself. Just do it.
That’s the first step. Next, plan to make it a habit to notice the good in 2022. Think about the stories and media you consume, and commit to making sure you get plenty of positive news to balance out the snarky, sensational, and shocking. Find publications, websites, and influencers that focus on good and will guide you to do the same.
One suggestion: Reasons to Be Cheerful, a website founded by former Talking Heads lead man David Byrne. According to the site’s About page, “Reasons to be Cheerful is a non-profit editorial project that is tonic for tumultuous times. We tell stories that reveal that there are, in fact, a surprising number of reasons to feel cheerful. Many of these reasons come in the form of smart, proven, replicable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. We’re here to tell you about some of them.”
I have signed up for the “Reasons to be Cheerful” newsletter so I can get positive stories about solutions in my inbox each week. I guard my email inbox like a Doberman, but I think this is a worthwhile addition.
Wishing you the very best for 2022, and most especially, encouraging you pay attention to what you notice, and make sure you notice the good.
Happy New Year!
Thanks for getting positive with me!
