AFH: Mindful March 2023

[Suzi]

New month, marking the start of a new Action for Happiness month! Today starts Mindful March. It's a great one to help you build in a little bit of minrfualness into your day!

Day 1:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_01.png?itok=0LEdXFKu

[Paula]

that’s a goodie

[Suzi]

Day 2:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_02.png?itok=m27D12se

Daffodils, a pigeon bathing in the pond, the buds on my magnolia tree!

[Paula]

Sunshine, honeysuckle coming back to life, dogs playing in the garden

[Suzi]

Day 3:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_03.png?itok=PVH93Seu

This can be really hard. It's easy to see the negatives or what you "can't do" but this is great to think of the things your body allows you to do.

[Paula]

Ok, despite being exhausted most of the week, the hospital needed cover for this mornings shift. I wasn’t sure I could manage it but my body rallied!

[Suzi]

Go you! Can you plan in some resting and pacing?

[Paula]

We’re out tomorrow evening but I plan on cross stitching tomorrow :)

[Suzi]

Good. I'm glad you're making time for stitching.

[Suzi]

Day 4:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_04.png?itok=eG7CreYT

Such a hard thing to do. But something I need to work on and I'm sure I'm not alone...

[Paula]

It’s a challenge, for sure

[Suzi]

Day 5:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_05.png?itok=6THbO7gO

Sending love to all of you from here x

[Suzi]

Day 6:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_06.png?itok=WQJQhF5Z

This is something I really need to work on. Slowing down to actually take in around me and how things really are...

[Strugglingmum]

I was going to rush into cleaning up the kitchen but I'm going to slow down and take the dog for a walk instead. The dishes will still be there in half an hour but I need some fresh air

[Suzi]

Good! I'm so glad! How has your day been love?

[Suzi]

Day 7:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_07.png?itok=XqE5YDZ5

I know I'm not alone in just taking that space to actually properly breathe, so I hope you're all going to try this with me today...

[Paula]

Definitely

[Suzi]

How'd it go? Did you manage to get the breaths in?

[Paula]

Maybe not the full amount lol but, yes

[Suzi]

Maybe try what I'm trying to do - build it into the next days and actually try to get them as normal practice, rather than a day's challenge...It's certainly difficult!

Day 8:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_08.png?itok=PPBY6VkR

I remember trying a mindful eating practise for the first time. It's really strange, but actually, I know that often I "just" eat it, rather than savouring it or thinking about it or how much work it took to create. I stopped and ate my banana mindfully this morning. I'd forgotten how good they really taste!

[Suzi]

Day 9:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_09.png?itok=6IfIcQ74

Something I could do with trying to remember..

[Strugglingmum]

A good reminder!!

[Suzi]

Day 10:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_10.png?itok=xO428l4v

It must be said that it's freezing and wet and I'm hoping to not go out today!

[Jaquaia]

I did that at 6am this morning when I went out to help J clear the snow off the car!

[Strugglingmum]

I'm going to do the food shop. Might walk the dog later.

[Suzi]

Pfft snow, we've had some flurries, but mostly rain, but really cold and miserable...

[Suzi]

Day 11:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_11.png?itok=3a8QayMT

Definitely one to practise

[Paula]

A good one for me to practise - as evidenced by my recent coffee related injuries ;)

[Suzi]

Day 12:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_12.png?itok=UYxDIbeW

This is a really difficult to thing to master... But so important.

[Suzi]

Day 13:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_13.png?itok=rBqsUNrK

This is a great one!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVaR3tJ0zDAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVaR3tJ0zDA

[Strugglingmum]

I definitely watched the sky..... for rain while I was out walking!

[Suzi]

We had some stunning dark clouds earlier when I went to pick Fern up!

[Suzi]

Day 14:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_14.png?itok=YgBsv41Q

Anyone want to share how they made chores happier?

[Jaquaia]

Get someone else to do them (rofl)

[Suzi]

That was what I came up with, getting someone else to do them in the style of interpretive dance maybe?

[Suzi]

Day 16:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_16.png?itok=ti2qmv0a

[Paula]

Im planning on cross stitching later

[Jaquaia]

I may read, knit or make another flower after some uni work.

[Strugglingmum]

Crochet hook has been going most of the day!!

[Suzi]

Hooray for creativity!

[Suzi]

Day 17:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_17.png?itok=R3xoufZN

My 3 things:

Our puppies cuddled up together, having a nap on the sofa.
My husband sat on the arm of the sofa as he didn't want to disturb the puppies from the sofa.
My selection of crochet projects!

[Strugglingmum]

I'm sitting in the car outside the shopping centre.
- the birds bouncing on the tree branches in the wind
- there is a toddler grinning at me from the car next to me
- I can see the exit.... and that is very pleasant

[Suzi]

Thanks for sharing!

[Suzi]

Day 18:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_18.png?itok=FS_oxp09

Almost a no plans day for us today. Just study and pasta for tea has been decided on - oh and a night of virgin cocktails ;)

[Jaquaia]

We went to the bookshop in Pickering. Moo spent £20 of her pocket money on Rainbow Fairy books at 50p a book... No idea where we're putting them!!!*facepalm*

[Suzi]

Hazel loved the rainbow fairies books. I think she'd collected most of them and passed them on to a friend's little girl, who added to the collection and it was passed on from there....

[Paula]

Oh come on, don’t try and pretend you’re not super proud of your mini me??

[Jaquaia]

"Moo, you have £75 of pocket money. How much do you want to spend in the bookshop?"

"ALL OF IT!!!"

Ok, maybe a little proud...

[Suzi]

(rofl) (rofl) (rofl)

Day 19:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_19.png?itok=n8c4wNvg

I find this kind of challenge is so much easier towards others, just much harder towards ourselves...

[Strugglingmum]

I was loving and kind today by taking myself to bed for an hour instead of taking out my agitation on everyone else

[Suzi]

Sorry you were agitated love, but glad you were able to give yourself the space you needed - great self care and Paula would be very proud!

[Suzi]

Day 20:
https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_20.png?itok=wZANHeoo

Definitely a good challenge today!

[Strugglingmum]

Had a swim..... definitely made me happier

[Suzi]

YAY! So glad!

[Suzi]

Day 21:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_21.png?itok=YyHIfHx-

[Suzi]

Day 22:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_22.png?itok=XGKQ7A6a

[Paula]

I’m not as exhausted!

[Strugglingmum]

Its sunny and windy....lots of washing on the line

[Suzi]

F and I got a bit of tidying done together, slowly and without any swearing!

[Suzi]

Day 23:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_23.png?itok=nsjwvfUV

I always find things like this one challenging....

[Paula]

Probably a good one today, challenging shift at work….

[Suzi]

You OK?

[Paula]

A man on crutches collapsed, half-fainted in pain, in front of me which I had to deal with. Then a very complainy inpatient, who’d spent ages with me Monday, and more time today, finally admitted to customer care that she was in with covid…..

[Suzi]

That sounds really traumatic - are you OK? What kind of support have you got? This person from Monday is still testing positive with covid? Been in with you for ages? Shit hunni, I'm so sorry you've had to deal with those things...

[Paula]

The covid person is still in because she’s still got covid - but is convinced there’s another problem, hence the complaints. Though is still wandering round the hospital. Support? My boss, except she’s off long term sick with, ironically, long covid…..

[Suzi]

That's really shit all round!

Day 24:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_24.png?itok=r2x-hyR_

[Suzi]

Day 25:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_25.png?itok=xLEcnRg3

[Suzi]

Day 26:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_26.png?itok=BV7EDIzK

[Jaquaia]

J bought me a new book so sorted!

[Suzi]

What's the book?

[Jaquaia]

Clytemnestra by Constanza Casati

[Suzi]

Is it good?

Day 27:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_27.png?itok=K0Z1KGRS

[Jaquaia]

I'm enjoying it! I love the Greek myths

[Suzi]

I'll raise them with H who loves them too ;)

[Suzi]

Day 28:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_28.png?itok=bIriF1Xt

Definitely something I need to keep practising, but atm I need to do this...

[Paula]

This one I can do! I think??

[Suzi]

Day 29:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_29.png?itok=RNA-fgpd

I took F to school this morning and I noticed that the craters- "potholes" according to our council have split open again even though they were "fixed" last week... Maybe it would have helped if they'd done it properly and not just pushed it in with their boots.......

[Paula]

(rofl)

[Suzi]

Day 30:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_30.png?itok=gB9XNtWG

This was a starting activity on a couple of mindfulness courses I've done. It's something I do quite a lot - especially if I click or crunch or fall lol..

[Paula]

Anxious

[Suzi]

Hope the anxiety is much less this morning lovely.

Day 31:

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/styles/daily_message_convo_overlay/public/AFH_ACTION_2023_03_MAR_31.png?itok=h2z5OgWd

[Paula]

It is, thank you