Once, in a physical theatre practice session, the instructor asked us to write for 5 minutes on the prompt:
Imagine another soul comes and stays in your body when you’re asleep. You need to write an instruction for them on how to be you in your own body.
And this is what I wrote:
Instructions on How to Be My-Linh
Maintaining Positivity:
Start Your Day with a Smile (and Maybe Some Silliness): You might not always feel like it, but a big smile sets the tone for a good day. Plus, laughter is contagious – at least three genuine belly laughs daily are a must-do for me!
Helping Others is Happiness: If you don’t know what to do with yourself or feeling down? Volunteering is a great way to shift your focus and connect with your community. Short-term or long-term, it doesn't matter – helping others is a surefire way to boost your mood.
Gratitude is Your Superpower: Feeling helpless or hopeless? Take a moment to write down 10 things you're grateful for, big or small. Continue to count your blessings till you feel better. It’s amazing how this simple practice can shift your perspective.
Building Strong Relationships:
Family is My Anchor: Be kind and supportive to those closest to you. It goes without saying, but sometimes life gets busy. Make time for the people who matter most … well… for those who drain your energy, please kindly stay away from them.
Need a Pick-Me-Up? Text my best friends!: If you're feeling down, reach out and make plans to meet up.
Taking Care of Yourself:
Listen to Your Body: Don't sit for too long! Get up and move around every two hours. My body will thank you for it.
Healthy Body, Happy Me: Eating healthy foods fuels your energy levels. Skip the takeaway and focus on wholesome meals.
Sweet Treats in Moderation: I have a sweettooth, but too much sugar isn't good for anyone.
Respect the Nails!: I love seeing my nails grow long. Please, resist the urge to bite them!
Notice on your self-worth and self-esteem: Check back on my list of 100 achievements in life. Get comfortable and re-read “The comfort book” by Matt Haig.
Spark joy, not germs: Daily showers and twice-daily teeth brushing are non-negotiable. Hygiene is key to feeling confident and ready to take on the day.
Mom knows best: Feeling under the weather? Go straight to Mom. She has a magical touch and acure for (almost) everything.
Daily Rituals:
Before drifting off to sleep, snuggle under my cozy blanket:
Think of one thing today that you appreciate most, and say “thank you” out loud.
Think of your wishes, your hopes, your dreams and kindly ask the universe for a little help in achieving them.
Say goodbye to life with great gratitude.
When waking up to a new day:
Say to yourself “I’m enough.” and “Thank you for giving me another day to live, to be with my loved ones, and to make our world a better place to be.”
Think of what you plan to do today, and say "Thank you for all the plans today going brilliantly well", end this magical practice by saying: "And thank you for the great news coming to me today!"