We have been thinking about the “just one thing” philosophy, which was made famous by Michael Mosley first as a podcast, then book and currently being aired by the BBC as a mini series. The premise being: find just one thing that you can add or change in your daily routine that will have a big impact on your mental and physical health. The theory is that making small adjustments can lead to big changes, rather than setting yourself unachievable goals.
We started thinking about the little changes we can make and how we might see the benefit in our own lives. For G, it is always about “looking up”; she is big on photographing nature, and spring is one of the best times of the year for that, the colours suddenly appearing where all winter there was nothing. The daffodils and tulips, blossom and bulbs. If you take a moment it can be breathtaking.
If you let it, it can engage most of your senses, where we live there is the scent of magnolia in the air, the colours of bluebells and tulips most places we walk, the textures of the different flowers as you brush past them. Daffodils particularly hold memories of years gone by and evoke emotion.
There is something about brighter weather that lifts the mood. Maybe it's the vitamin D or maybe it's the warmth or simply the brightness but somehow things feel better.
How are you at observing what's around you? When was the last time you stopped and really looked at a flower? Now's the time, seize the opportunity while the colours are vibrant. What is available to you, where you live and where you ordinarily go? The “just one thing” isn’t always about doing something new, but maybe noticing or appreciating something in a new way.
The best thing about all of this is, it is all totally free! All you have to do is observe what is already around you, look for the colour, take note of the smells and observe the way nature changes. Maybe take a few photos on your phone, it really is that simple!
The current series suggests other ideas for “just one thing.” These include taking cold showers, doing press ups, daily sunshine, digital detox, gardening and borrowing a pet. Do any of these take your interest? How would spending time with an animal make you feel? If you have a pet, do you enjoy their company, do you learn from them, watch them be easily entertained and pleased. Murphy (Transcend’s resident hound!) will play ball all day if you let him, he is happy people watching and just enjoying the smells out on a walk, He notices the changes in his environment and we would do well to learn from him!
Michael Mosley did a lot in his lifetime and his legacy lives on. His life was cut short and that is a lesson in itself that seizing the day is important. So, if you were going to change “just one thing” what would that be? What small change could enhance your life right now? Why not go ahead and do it, there is no time like today!
Add comment
Comments