uplifted by nostalgia

This fall feels like a concerted effort to return to non-pandemic normalcy. Morning rush hour, commuters on foot or on some type of vehicle, noisy streets, long queues on coffee shops or restaurants, etc. I was overwhelmed this week and at the end of one work day, I decided to go on the internet to find a solution. Mel Robbins, who is an American motivational speaker, had this video posted on YouTube entitled "How to stop feeling overwhelmed right now": https://youtu.be/4zEBjqhwobA. You can imagine that I literally typed those words on the search bar. I followed the instructions in real-time and actually found consolation. At that moment of peak overwhelmed-ness, I wrote down everything in my head then highlighted the top items that I have control over and can actually carry out then felt a whole lot better. Much of the concerns that affect me at any given moment are attributable to things that I voluntarily think about and play repeatedly in my head. 

The following day, I felt more in control and focused on those things that I resolved to prioritize during the day. It felt good. When the day ended--while walking amidst fellow end-of-the-day commuters--I felt the affirmations of the cool autumn breeze and the bright late afternoon sun. It's as if nature is giving me a pat on the back for the decision to overcome the day's toil. Interestingly, I also felt youthful. At over four decades of existence (which I can't help to constantly bring up, maybe out of pride), I can hardly consider myself young, yet that particular afternoon made me feel young and uplifted. I will try to remember that feeling and go back to it. I should have a way to pin or stamp that feeling in my brain so that I can access it when I need it. Wouldn't that be great? To be able to save an original feeling in a folder and then open the file on demand...that would be fantastic.