Extra Love

On the days I feel in a lower mood or am not at my physical best, I always declare them a day for “even more of the good stuff.” This means I listen to more music, prioritize more sunshine, and make extra time for the other things that I know are supportive, like moving my body or getting some rest.

I work to deploy the same practice when I know I am going to engage with something that tends to stress me out or pull me into being a version of myself I don’t enjoy, like working at screens for an extended time, trying to get my kids to be in the car and at school on time, or having a conversation that feels uncomfortable. I acknowledge ahead of time that it is something that can pull me out of being loving, and I work to bring extra presence and love to the task at hand and remain as connected to my best self as possible for myself and others.

My mind often wants me give myself less of the good stuff on a tougher day, or to be less loving during a stressful moment. Yet I know that this reaction only exacerbates the situation.

Would would it look like to give yourself, someone else, or the task at hand a some extra love instead of less?