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Finding Comfort in Every Moment

Dr Elizma van der Smit. December 2017

· Life Skills

Don't you just love that feeling that you get when you're sitting in doors in the evening, the house is tidy and you have a warm mug of tea/coffee. You cradle it and look outside where it's raining and pattering against the window. You're warm though, because you have the fire on and are feeling toasty.

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Or maybe you prefer the feeling of a great workout? That moment when you have to dig deep to heave one more rep of the barbell over your chest. Then you sit up and growl with the chalk coming away from your hands. You look around at the other guys pumping iron and you feel tough. Life makes sense here, this is home.

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Maybe you oddly find moments to love at work. How about when you arrive early and you can work in complete quiet on your projects, watching the bright halogen light flicker down the hall like you're in some cyberpunk movie.

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How about walking home on a summer's evening when it's dark but still warm enough to be wearing just a t-shirt?

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How about waking up first thing in the morning, to see your partner smiling at you?

The point of this lengthy introduction, in case you hadn't already worked it out, is that actually there is something to enjoy in almost every moment. If you think about the memories of other similar experiences. If you focus on the way your body feels, or the way you feel kind of content, undisturbed, challenged, triumphant…

Eating a bowl of cereal first thing in the morning can be blissful. And so can gulping down water after you've gone for a job. So can standing under a starry sky. Having a cold beer on a summer's day. Being kind of scared but at the same time, excited, before an interview.

Sometimes you just need to open your eyes to these moments and to the little comforts in your regular routine. And when you learn to focus in on these good parts and to really appreciate them, you'll find that suddenly you are content in almost every situation and that almost everything makes you just that little bit happier.

This is the secret to really finding happiness. Instead of chasing after something else, just learn to find bliss in the little moments.

Challenge yourself next time you're standing in a queue at the bank. What's nice about this moment?

This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.

This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.