I have found joy and magic in life being okay.

For awhile, my life felt overwhelming. Going through depression, I faced a lot of dark, sad days. Life was anything but okay. During those times, I longed to feel something other than numb, sad, teary, etc. Instead I longed to feel happy, excited, and joyful.

Now I feel a range of emotions: happy, enthusiastic, sad, etc. But more times than not, I feel okay.

What’s wrong with feeling okay?

Nothing is wrong with it. However, it can feel uncomfortable or unnatural for people who are so used to feeling extreme highs and lows. I know firsthand that change can be difficult to accept and that change doesn’t always feel good. It took some time to adjust to accepting and feeling okay with life just being average.

Here’s how I remain content with life being okay:

• Express gratitude daily
• Journaling
• Treat yourself
• Take note of your wins
• Practice Mindfulness
• Create a routine

Express Gratitude Daily

I keep a daily gratitude list. Every day, I list out at least 3 things that I am thankful for. I try to not list the same things multiple days in a row.

My list ranges from being thankful for my loved ones to being thankful for clean water, air, trees, etc. Expressing gratitude for the big and little things in my life helps me remain mindful about all great things going on in my life.

Journaling

I used to only journal when I felt like life was going wrong. Journaling daily has made it become easier for me to remember the good that has happened in my life. It has helped me realize that I do feel a range of emotions — not just sad.

Journaling when life is okay has shown me that I actually have a lot of good, average, and simple days. It’s shown me that life isn’t always chaotic or messy. It also shows me how far I’ve come.

When life feels average or mundane, it’s easy to get caught in the thinking that, that is all life is. Looking back on my journals, I’ve learned that all the little things add up to the big things. All of the “average” moments made for all of the great, amazing, and over the top moments.

Treat Yourself

I started to give myself everything that I was seeking from others. It’s always a nice surprise when I get a gift or compliment, but there’s something really special about gifting and treating myself.

You don’t have to go all out when you treat yourself either. Finding joy in everyday routines can be a form of treating yourself.

Something that I enjoy treating myself with is slow mornings. Every Saturday, I commit to having a slow, chill morning. I sip my tea slowly, and I spend extra time on my skincare routine.

I encourage you to invest in yourself in big and small ways.

Take Note of Your Wins

No win is too small. I take note when I stick to a new habit for the entire week. I even count learning something new as a win.

Take notice of your wins! Give yourself props for all of your growth. Only you know how much effort and time a goal has taken you. Celebrate yourself.

The more you notice all of the good in your life and in yourself, the easier it will become to do the same for everyday things.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness and meditation has helped me feel balanced even through tough times. Before, I would feel a wide range of emotions throughout my day. From extreme sadness to elation. I used to think that all I wanted to be was happy, elated, or excited all of the time.

Practicing meditation has shifted my perspective. I am grateful and happy when life is simply okay. I have learned that life and all of its beauty happens in the average moments just as it does in the extravagant moments.

Create a Routine

You might be saying to yourself, “Why would I create a routine when life feels routine?”

Time management and having a routine has actually created more time in my life to focus and do other things. I used to spend a lot of time procrastinating and then stressing about how I procrastinated. When you have a routine and stick to it, you’ll find that things actually get done a lot faster and easier.

You’ll find that you’re no longer worrying about not having enough time or things piling up. When you develop a routine, it is very easy to attach other habits to the routine. Over time, you’ll start to get more done than you did before.

Although sticking to a routine might feel mundane on some days, I relish in the joy of what I am building by incorporating small habits and routines in my life. Creating a routine for myself has helped me realize that I can do anything that I set my mind to. I just have to start and keep going.