pr0crastination101

1. What made you feel good about yourself today? Ask a loved one this question to help them celebrate what’s right about their life, right now.

It goes without saying, not every day will be good, but there will always be something good about every day. The key is to notice these things and celebrate them. We must train our minds to see the good. Positivity is a choice. The happiness of our lives, and our relationships, depends on the quality of our thoughts. When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change how we think about it. And the first step is celebrating what CAN be celebrated – the lessons, the laughs, and the love we’ve experienced along the way.

And best of all, when you help a loved one celebrate these things, your gesture, in and of itself, becomes something worth celebrating and smiling about.

2. What has been making you feel alone and unworthy? This is a difficult question to ask, and an even more difficult one to answer. But it’s worth it.

Sometimes we feel as though the world is crashing down around us, as if the pain we are experiencing is unique only to us in the moment. This, of course, is far from the truth. We are all in this together. The very demons that torment each of us, torment all of us. It is our challenges and troubles that connect us at the deepest level. Once we accept this, our relationships become a place where we can look each other in the eye and say, “I’m lost and struggling at the moment,” and we can nod back at each other and say, “Me too,” …and that’s OK. Because not being “OK” all the time, is perfectly OK.

If you think about the people who have had the greatest positive effect on your life – the ones who truly made a difference – you will likely realize that they aren’t the ones that tried to give you all the answers or solve all your problems. They’re the ones who sat silently with you when you needed a moment to think, who lent you a shoulder when you needed to cry, and who tolerated not having all the answers, but stood beside you anyway. Be this person for those you care about every chance you get.

3. What have I done recently that helped you feel loved and appreciated? This is a great question, not only to ask someone you care about, but also to ask yourself. Think about it. How ARE you showing your love and appreciation?

If you struggle with this question in any way, here’s a wake-up call for you: No matter how sure you are of someone’s love, it is always nice to be reminded of it. Loving someone and having them love you back is the most precious phenomenon in the world, and it should be expressed as such. When you truly love someone, be loving in words and deeds every single day. Don’t beat around the bush. Be straightforward.

If you appreciate someone today, tell them. If you adore someone today, show them. Hearts are often confused and broken by thoughtful words left unspoken, and loving deeds left undone. There might not be a tomorrow. Today is the day to express your love and admiration.