In the words of Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist “How people treat others is a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves.”

As such, finding ways to feel good about ourselves helps us to be better able to interact more positively with others.

What do you do that gives you that all-is-well-in-the-universe feeling and makes you feel good about yourself?

I sometimes ask that question in my keynote “How to Stay Positive and Focused in Uncertain Times” and I get a wide range of responses. The wonderful thing is there is no one right answer. I’ve had people say spending time with family recharges them and conversely others say they need alone time. Some love outdoor activities and others prefer to stay at home.

I love it when someone says they are uplifted watching funny movies or going to comedy shows because keeping a strong sense of humor is important for staying positive. As my mother used to say: “Sometimes we have to laugh to keep from crying.”

Also, being of service to others is a common answer which indeed has been proven to lift our spirit. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr.:

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” 

Exercise is another common response, including mine. Attending aerobics/Zumba classes was my preferred all-is-well activity for many years. These days I’m regularly using the elliptical and other equipment in my home gym instead. The words on the front of one of my gym shirts sum it up: “Working out is cheaper than therapy.”

Lastly, I resonate with Michelle Obama’s observations about well-being in her new book The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times. She says that she started knitting during the pandemic and after learning this new skill, shared this thought:

“Look for something that’ll help you rearrange your thoughts, a pocket of contentedness where you can live for a while…allow yourself the pleasure of a small feat. Step back and rest your brain from all the hard problems and wearying thoughts.”

Well said!

For more insights on feeling content—especially in these uncertain times—please visit my blog archives:

[This blog includes excerpts from Sarita’s newest book Say What You Mean in a Nice Way.]