FROM LEMONS TO LEMONADE

WHEN YOU FOCUS ON THE GOOD,

THE GOOD GETS BETTER.

– Abraham Hicks

“Focus on the good.” Sometimes, the sentiment is easier said than done, right? Especially now, since the consequences of a global pandemic have filled our immediate environments with loss, fear, starvation, and isolation; and these negative topics seem to be dominating our daily conversations too. Sometimes, it is all too easy for us to focus on the negative things that are happening in and around our lives. 

However, there is a silver lining attached to this cloud of doom and gloom. If we consider our current reality: we are restricted in our social movements and interactions; we are more conscious and cautious of our overall health, and we are dealing with an overload of emotions. So, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. It is a sweet reminder that we have the power to turn these sour moments into something far more gratifying. Now more than ever, we should turn our focus away from negativity and focus on the good that has emerged as a result of these past few months of hardship. Here are some of the ways that we can turn our “new normal” into something positive.

1. CLEAR THE CLUTTER

Most of us have been spending more time in our homes, which gives us a chance to re-evaluate our immediate surroundings. There is no better time than now to declutter your living space. Often, we live in excess, when what we should be doing, is surrounding ourselves with a smaller collection of important things that we love and donating unwanted items to those in need. Adding to that, you will find that decluttering your space will help to declutter your mind too.

2. RECONNECT IN NEW WAYS

By nature, humans are social beings. We rely on interactions with others for our mental well-being, and even though socialising is not what it used to be, it doesn’t mean we cannot find new ways to connect with one another. Make a concerted effort to call a friend; chat more frequently with your neighbours; ask your grandchildren to help you set up an email address; and for a little bit of nostalgia, get back into the habit of writing letters. We must prioritize connections both for our own sense of fellowship and as a way to help others who may be battling with their own emotional loads.

3. REORGANISE & REPURPOSE

They say change is as good as a holiday. The simple act of rearranging some furniture can refresh and breathe new life into any space in no time at all. Play around, have fun, and use items that you already have to redecorate new spaces. Be sure to call on a family member for help with heavy items. It’s also a great time to reorganize your “things”. Create a filing system for bills and paperwork; build a library for your reading books; get rid of expired toiletries and pantry items, and use the time to mend or fix anything that has been on your To-Do list for some time. 

4. FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH AND MENTAL WELLBEING

If you haven’t already, now is the time to prioritize your health; both physical and mental. Being isolated for long periods of time can take its toll on us, emotionally. To keep ourselves busy and active is to give ourselves purpose when we could be feeling despondent. Take up a new hobby; exercise in the comfort of your own home or garden; engage in a socially distanced sport such as tennis; stimulate your mind with word searches or a difficult puzzle; and become more informed about your state of health, researching new ways to stay mentally and physically fit.

5. DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR SOMEONE IN NEED

There are so many people in need of all kinds of support. But the good news is that there are so many ways that we can help. From the simple and kind gesture of taking hand-picked flowers from your garden to a nurse; making a sandwich for a homeless person or preparing a meal for someone who is grieving; to donating unwanted items to someone in need. There are also many charities who are appreciative of any donation; financial, material or time-given. The feeling that you are doing good will far outweigh the feelings of sorrow for those who are going without. 

6. THINK POSITIVELY

Positive thinking is by no means the answer to all your problems, but what it will do is make your troubles seem more manageable and help you to approach things in a more optimistic and productive way. Start by looking for the positive in every day. By changing your outlook on life, you can change the way you live it. We always tend to focus and complain about the bad things that trouble us. Shift this thinking… and focus on the good things that have happened and the things that you are grateful for. If someone cancels plans, focus on how this frees up some of your time. If the electricity goes out, use this time to read your favourite book or spend time outside in nature. It’s a proven fact… there is power in positivity.

Challenging situations and obstacles are a part of life. When we are faced with one, we must make it our mission to focus on the good things no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they seem. At Le Domaine, we go out of our way to make sure every resident is motivated to live their life to the full. 

As such, we provide a selection of suitable activities and integrated facilities to keep our residents inspired, active and sociable. We have seen firsthand, the benefits of an environment that encourages friendship, fun and familiarity, in these unprecedented times. Now more than ever, we seize every moment and seek to energize and excite our residents through this “new normal”. 

Please get in touch with our team if you are looking for guidance to help you or a loved one through this time. We are here to walk this uncharted path with you.