Getting the Good Times back

In 2014 I started an experiment. And I’ve been going ever since. Every Monday I start a new list in my notebook - I call it Good Times. In it I capture all the positive experiences in my life. Work, family, personal. All in one list. A presentation that went well. A walk through a London park. The first coffee of the day. Some weeks the list runs to 50+ items, others around 30. 

So in these challenging times, what’s happened to my Good Times? We’ve had a full week so far of difficult circumstances with highly limited external stimulation. No London walks, no face to face meetings or talks, no access to coffee shops - a void of staples that usually fill my notebooks. 

But. Here’s the thing. Last week I still hit 49 things on my Good Times. Amidst my business revenues nosediving and all the uncertainty I still found reasons to be cheerful. Walking the dog on the beach at 07:30 (above - this was the scene yesterday morning), being surrounded by my family. Having a friend reaching out to ask how I’m doing, helping someone out on a call. Connecting with contacts around the globe. Playing Lego with my boys on Saturday evening whilst sipping a rum and Coke. Joining in with our local community when we all came out to clap for the NHS. 

Over the years I believe my Good Times habit has changed my outlook. It’s optimised me to always be scanning everyday life for the positive.

And right now it reminds me that on the surface we might not see there’s much to celebrate. But the Good Times haven’t gone, they’ve simply changed.