Hey there, picture us in a lovely, sprawling garden. I'm extending a hand to help you up from a patch of stubborn weeds. The breeze is in our hair, the sun warms our faces, and the sense of unity makes us feel like superheroes in gardening hats. This is what resilience with others feels like. It's all about the bonds we form, becoming our support system in the garden of life.
The Patchwork Quilt of Positive Relationships
Do you ever think of your life as a cosy patchwork quilt? I do. One section is stitched together with the vibrant patterns of family support and drama—an ever-entertaining soap opera. Another part features our friends, a colourful mix of shared laughs and deep conversations. Then there's the part with colleagues, all neatly pieced together to create a harmonious workplace.
Positive relationships are the threads that hold this quilt together. They catch us when we fray at the edges and help us shine brighter when we thrive. Studies show that having caring, supportive relationships is like having a personal cheering squad; it boosts our happiness and resilience, making us feel ready to tackle anything from the daily hiccups to life's bigger hurdles.
Finding Our North Star
Think about your purpose. It’s like finding your North Star—a bright, guiding light that leads you through the fog. Whether it's faith, family, or a cause, having a purpose can turn life's dull routine into an exciting treasure hunt.
Life can sometimes feel like we're stuck in an endless episode of a reality TV show, where the plot twists are more confusing than a cat at a dog show, right? But having a sense of purpose is like having a map that leads us to the treasure chest at the end of the episode. It helps us stay focused, bounce back faster from setbacks, and believe that the next episode will be even better.
Random Acts of Kindness: The Flowers of Human Interaction
Let's talk about random acts of kindness (RAOK). They’re like flowers in the garden of life—simple, beautiful, and unexpected. Imagine giving a stranger a bouquet or offering a heartfelt compliment; it's the social equivalent of planting seeds that bloom into joy.
Performing RAOKs releases oxytocin, the ‘feel-good hormone’. It’s like watering the garden of our souls, helping us flourish for up to two weeks, while the person on the receiving end enjoys a day-long boost. Happiness spreads like wildflowers, and soon the entire garden is bursting with colour and life.
The Menopause: Embracing a New Season
Menopause, now that's like entering a new season in the garden of life. It can feel like the summer heat has given way to the autumn chill, bringing changes that can be both challenging and beautiful. Just as the trees shed their leaves to make way for new growth, menopause is a time of transformation.
During this period, positive relationships and a sense of purpose become even more crucial. Surrounding ourselves with supportive friends and family can provide the warmth needed to navigate this transition. Purpose acts as the sturdy root system that keeps us grounded, helping us find strength and resilience in the face of change.
Random acts of kindness take on new significance during menopause. These small gestures can be like planting new seeds in our garden, bringing bursts of colour and life when we need them most. They remind us that even in the midst of change, there is beauty to be found in the connections we nurture.
The Happiness Recipe
According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, only 10% of our happiness comes from what happens to us—the basic ingredients of life. The other 90% is about how we mix and bake those ingredients. While genetics might determine the flavour, a significant 40% of our happiness is shaped by our actions—like choosing the spices of RAOKs or adding the sweetness of positive relationships.
So, building resilience with others is like creating a culinary masterpiece of life. It's about mixing together relationships, finding our North Star, and sprinkling kindness like confetti. Let’s grab our aprons and become the chefs of our own resilience, because life’s a recipe, and we've got the ingredients to make it delicious. Embracing every season, including menopause, we can let our connections and purpose guide us through.
Signing off with a wink and a smile Meno-Mirth Michaela
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