Finding Good
To The Collective Fitness Community,
This week, let's focus on: Every day might not be good, but there's good in every day.
Sometimes, a bad start or a tough moment can make us feel like the whole day is ruined. We count all the screw-ups, and before you know it, the whole day gets painted with a big bad sign. This way of thinking, while common, rips away countless chances for a bit of peace and quiet joy. It blinds us to the small wins and good stuff that's always there, if you bother to look.
Finding the good isn't about ignoring your problems, or pretending everything's sunshine and rainbows when it's not. It's about a conscious shift in focus. It means understanding that even if you face some serious moments or deep disappointments, those singular events don't wipe out every other moment. You decide what you pay attention to.
So, how do we find this good?
Start by just being present. Most of us are rushing through life like chickens with their heads cut off, always thinking about the next task, the next obligation. But if you just slow yourself down, even for a few seconds, you create some breathing room. Notice the cooling of a breeze, the quiet hum of your home AC, the feel of the pavement under your feet as you walk. These aren't grand moments; they're just tiny, real anchors to what's actually happening.
Next, you have to train your brain to look for it. Our brains are wired to spot threats and problems, like an alarm system. We have to actively force them to see the positive. Did you somehow miss that terrible traffic? That's a win. Did some stranger actually hold a door for you? A decent human moment. Did you finally get around to that small chore you'd been avoiding? A little victory. These aren't insignificant; they're threads of good weaving through your day.
Try these simple actions:
The Gratitude Pause: Before you even swing your legs out of bed, or before you wolf down a meal, just pause for a second. Think of one small, simple thing you're genuinely thankful for. Not some huge life event, just something basic, like running water or the comfort of your bed.
The Small Win List: In your head, or scribble it down if you want, keep track of the tiny successes. Sent that annoying email? Done. Crushed a tough workout? Done. Found your keys on the first try? Done. Seeing these small wins add up actually shifts your whole perspective.
The "And Yet" Fuck It: When something goes wrong, acknowledge it, yeah, but then immediately follow it with an "and yet." "My meeting was a nightmare, and still I had a decent talk with a coworker right after." This stops one bad thing from turning your whole day into a shitshow.
Choosing to find the good, especially when it's not slapping you in the face, builds real resilience. It empowers you to navigate difficult times without falling into a pit of despair. It reminds you that even on the absolute worst days, good things are still there, waiting for you to see them.
This week, let's commit to uncovering that hidden good. It's your choice, and it can change everything.
With Strength & Wisdom
Charlie