Encouragement Plus Coaching

Intervention for Depression

LOOKING FOR THE
LITTLEST BIT

By Don H. Morris
Life Coach

Wanting to Feel Better

Everyone feels down sometimes, and some people feel extremely bad for long periods of time. When we feel bad, we look for something to help us feel better.

This can be something we do, or an affirmation from another person. Let me suggest that when you look for something to help you feel better, look for the littlest bit.

What is the littlest bit? Simply, it is something that helps you feel the smallest amount better that actually is better! Looking for the littlest bit keeps you from trying to find something that will make you feel a whole bunch better, like hitting the jackpot at a casino or going on a cruise. It is a common mistake to think that we need something big like that to make us feel better. We often find ourselves overlooking the small pleasures of life.

Here's a list of littlest bits I wrote recently. (I left a few blank lines to fill in later.) What would you put on your list? Your list would look different from mine or anyone else's, since each of us are unique individuals.

Think about all the little things you enjoy doing. Write out your list, then start putting some littlest bits into each of your days. Taken together, they will make a whole bunch of difference!

Back to Top

My List of Littlest Bits

1. Calling a friend
2. Helping someone hurting
3. Eating an ice cream sandwich
4. Taking a deep breath
5. A cat sitting in my lap
6. Getting a hug
7. Hugging someone
8. Telling a story
9. Listening to a story
10. Working on my computer
11. Taking a shower
12. Sleeping ten extra minutes
13. The sun warming my face
14. The wind rustling in leaves
15. Hearing a clean joke
16. Lying down on clean sheets
17. Smelling dinner cooking
18. Doing a good job on a task
19. Getting a compliment
20. Giving a compliment
21. Stretching
22. Getting dressed neatly
23. Listening to music
24. Getting a note or card
25. Sending a note or card
26. Learning something new
27. Talking about old times
28. Getting a milkshake or Frosty
29. Taking a bubble bath
30. Juggling
31. Walking my dog
32. Solving a problem
33. Smelling a flower
34. Holding a baby
35. Remembering holding a baby
36. Making a wish upon a star
37. Listening to a Talking Book
38. Drinking a Coke
39. Getting a neck rub
40. Making a plan
41. Saying "I love you" to someone
42. Making this list!
43. ___________________________
44. ___________________________
45. ___________________________
46. ___________________________
47. ___________________________
48. ___________________________
49. ___________________________
50. ___________________________

Back to Top