Look for Beauty To Improve Your Mental Health
How looking for good changed my outlook.
Hi there!
Do you ever feel like the world is just too much? That everything is happening too fast, and it’s all overwhelming?
If so, you’re not alone.
It seems like nowadays everyone is struggling with some form of mental health issue. The pandemic seemed to leave all of us with at least a little PTSD, but there is hope.
You can improve your mental health by seeking out beauty in the world. Consider Tyler Kent White’s quote: “I promise if you keep searching for everything beautiful in this world you will eventually become it.”
When you focus on looking for beauty, you become more positive and optimistic. And even a small shift in your attitude can change everything. Here’s what happened to me.
“I promise if you keep searching for everything beautiful in this world you will eventually become it.”
- Tyler Kent White
Scott Ninneman also publishes the free All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack). The Sunday email features the newest content about bipolar life.
When My World Lacked Beauty
In 1995, I had what used to be called a nervous breakdown.
In reality, it was undiagnosed bipolar disorder coming to life in all its glory. All I knew at the time was I wanted to die. Nothing in life gave me pleasure or hope.
It was a bumpy road worthy of a third-world country, but I found my way out of the darkness.
After a 10-day hospital stay, dozens of medications, and six years of talk therapy, I found a good place again. As rough as those years were, I don’t regret them. Without the struggle, I wouldn’t be here today sharing light in your inbox.
Beauty Made It Easier
One thing that consistently boosted my mood in those dark days was the pursuit of beauty.
Whether it was flowers, animal life, or the local art gallery, I sought out things that would make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Some days, it took a lot of effort, but I always found something nice if I looked for it.
Here are some ways to find beauty in the world:
Take a nature walk and really take in your surroundings. Listen to the birds singing, smell the flowers, and feel the sun on your skin.
Talk to a friend or family member who always makes you laugh. I have one friend who is just plain funny. He can read a dictionary, and it would be hilarious. He has a special gift, so I try to be around him often.
Look at old photos of happy times. This will help you remember good times exist and that you will have them again.
Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This will help shift your focus to the positive things in your life.
What Are You Looking for?
Humans are funny creatures.
We often see only what we’re looking for. If you look for the negative, there’s a multitude to find. However, if you look for the beauty, the positive things in life, you’ll find an abundance of it as well.
When you start seeking out beauty in the world, you’ll be surprised at how much your mental health improves. So don’t wait, start today.
Your future self will thank you.
What beauty did you see today? Please share your finds in the comments.
Write About Beauty
Take some time to meditate on the beauty in your world with these writing prompts.
Journal Prompt: Write about a time when your breath was literally taken away by something beautiful you saw. Why was it so impressive? What did that moment teach you?
Creative Writing Prompt: Write a story about a family living in a black and white world. While cleaning out the garage, a can falls from a shelf and the color red seeps out of it. What happens next?
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
Additional Reading:
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Today I saw the beauty of my little 4 year old granddaughter enjoying her nursery sports day.. such joy in participation .. 😁 a real joy to behold and to remember for years to come 🤗
My nature walks are essential to my mental health. I also take photos to look at when I’m inside. And every night I write 5 things (or people) I’m grateful for. I especially love herons and was going to share a photo but apparently photos can be shared in Notes but not comments.