50+ community Weekend Check-in September 18-20, 2020
Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.
Robert Collier
Happy Friday to all of you, how was your week? 
What do you do when nothing else seems to make you happy?
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@amiablePeace77
That's easy... I just look at all of these smiling faces
https://www.google.com/search?q=people+smiling&source=lnms&tbm=isch
@7motivation
Lovely idea! Smiles can be infectious
@amiablePeace77, I dig deeper for a second choice and push myself to do it.
@purpleTree4652
Nice purpleTree, I like the idea of "if something does not work, I try something else" instead of giving up. 
@amiablePeace77
When nothing else can bring me out of a negative space, I sing. For some reason, it uplifts and relaxes me. I can't help but feel better after singing, doesn't even matter whether the song itself is happy, sad, angry - it all helps!
@MidwesternCalmSeeker singing helps me. Sometimes I just sing gibberish because the words do not matter as much as the music singing in my heart.
First I think why me, why am I not happy. But most times, I remember, not everyday is happy. Some days are just crap, others are introspective, and others are a combination of everything. Give it an hour, it may just change to the way you want it to be.
@Lauren63 that is a great attitude. Glad it is working for you.
I am alone a lot more during this Covid crisis. It feels like families are exposed to each other and for someone single you have to be creative! Most of my coping favorites are museums concerts and the like. I have found a few outdoor events ( yay), but I need some new outlets. My extended family is a bit worn out of phone calls.
@Sue1111 I hear you and can empathize. I google free virtual tours and I get a lot of interesting hits.
I also go on youtube and listen to TED talks on subjects that interest me.
We also have discussions in 50+ that many people say are warm and supportive. They are a great way to chat with people and maintain anonymity. https://www.7cups.com/forum/50OverCommunity_193/TeamToolsandTeamUpdates_1705/50plusDiscussionsScheduleandTopics_207920/
@amiablePeace77 Amazing week beautiful cool weather , mood swing for the good .
@Freeskier glad the mood is looking up. It is cooler here and that is a relief from summer swelter.
My week was full of ups and downs. I have finally put my childhood home of 50+ years on the market. This home was all that was left of my initial family. My brother passed 33 years ago in our den after years of mental illness, my father passed in his bedroom of natural causes 15 years ago and now 2 years ago my mom. For so many reasons I didn't sell the home. I live out of state, I wanted to decide what to keep, the price I was willing to sell for, etc. I am also raising my 18 and 22 year old who are both in college and we all know the energy that goes into guiding kids these days.
So, I guess what can make me happy during these emotinally turbulant times, is to focus on where I am at today. My father was the king of the silver linings and I find myself doing the same thing. If something is not going my way, I look for the positive. When I look back at my life, I see how many events could have broken me have turned into something for the better. So I will continue to keep my positive attitude, That seems to be how I make myself happy.
@rockym
My heart goes out to you as you process through this major event in your life. Your outlook is heartwarming, and I appreciate that you shared this with us. Take care.
@MidwesternCalmSeeker thank you for your kind words.
@rockym sorry for the loss of your family members. Now you are nurturing the next generation. That is how the circle of life goes.
I am glad you can see the silverlining on things. Waiting to sell the childhood home was a great idea to give time for the emotions to settle down. Grieving is a long range process.
Hope you find a way to keep silver lining things. The glass is half full is one way to do that.!
@soulsings
I like the circle of life analogy, but throw in overwelming responsibilities and well... sometimes it's a lot. I find myself trying to keep balance in my mind by reminding myself that many of my problems are "good problems" that others would take in a moment. I also have learned to calm my mind enough to sleep well. These are little things, but I'll take it for now.
@rockym glad you can calm your mind to sleep. That is important.
When I am down and out, I play guitar and sing. It always seems to bring me up, and always has.
@Offmytrack yes music lifts my spirits and soothes my soul.
Try to remember a time when I WAS happy and try to get back into that mindset.
@iamroni I hear you. Sometimes I focus on what went wrong and it seems overwhelming.
Let me think of some things that went right.
I survived.
I found 7 cups and the community helps heal the wounds.
I participate in discussions that bring me together with lots of people that want to see the joy of living.
@soulsings I committed to making a gratitude list of 3-5 things to be grateful for before I get out of bed. I keep my gratitude journal on the nightstand. 
What do you do when nothing else seems to make you happy?
I just go with the flow and try and take a nap.
