Finding Your Joy - Life's precious moments

Sometimes life can become so overwhelming I can become lost in a haze. It’s like a dark cloud of stress and despair consumes me. I feel like every ounce of my energy is spent fighting my way through. Instead of enjoying my life, it turns into a tiresome challenge. The longer I spend in this heavy mist, the more disillusioned and despondent I become. Gradually the fog becomes so thick and intoxicating I can’t breathe or see any light. The little hope I am holding dwindles.

The past few months have very much felt like that for me. I feel like I have been clinging from one day to the next, completely exhausted. When I feel like this, my natural response is to cocoon away, shielding myself from the world and the people in it. Although it may feel comforting – or safe – at the time, being in isolation allows my ruminating thoughts to grow more invasive and petulant. With no distractions, or communication, I flounder.

So, when I found myself, stagnant and still on the sofa, I decided to dig deep and delve into everything I have learnt about myself and mental health to pull me through.

I asked myself.

What makes me happy?

What could lift my mood today?

What could help right now?

For me, one thing that helps clear my mind is a clear sky. I find solace in being outdoors, surrounded by nature. Vivid greenery soothes me. The softer, serene landscapes literally offer a breath of fresh air in contrast to the grey building blocks of a town or city. With this in mind, I willed myself from the couch and drove me and my companion to the local park, a park I hold a particular fondness for. After all, not all parks are created equal.

Hesketh Park in Southport was established in the Victorian era, boasting distinctive, decorative and classical pieces of architecture, including an observatory, two gate houses, a glasshouse and conservatory. With winding paths, small garden enclosures, willowy trees androse flower beds this park is an invitation for scenic leisurely strolls and exciting explorations. For me, it was my escapism, one where my anxiety and depression would drift away, even just for a precious hour or two.

Me and my companion treated ourselves to two scoops of banoffee and butterscotch ice cream and walked side by side, relishing the flavours and enjoying the sunny weather. Central to the park was a lake, swirling with ducks and lined by thick willow trees. In the lake were two fountains projecting water up into the air and we perched ourselves on a nearby bench overlooking this view. Comfortable and content I decided it was the perfect opportunity to pracitce some mindfulness, really drinking in the sights and the sounds. The twittering of birds, the odd dog bark, the excited giggling of kids playing football, the elderly couple chattering away over some shared sandwiches and a flask of coffee. It's amazing what you can pick up on when you allow yourself to be truly present and observant.

Resting my eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face and breathing in the Spring air I felt grateful. Grateful for the brightening weather. Grateful to have such a beautiful park only a stone’s throw away from my abode. I was grateful I left the house, as I knew staying confined inside was not helpful for me, mentally or physically.

I felt grateful for the precious little moments that makes life. The happy little occasions that remind you there's a lot to be thankful for this in world.

And here is your reminder to go out there to seek, and treasure, your own happy moments.

Fran Roberts