The Rubber Duckie represents comfort. It harks back to our youngest days when we ended up in a warm tub sometimes filled with bubbles and a few floaty toys – one being a rubber duck. It reminds us of the comfort of the warmth of the water, of our mom sitting with us, often laughing and playing with us as she helped us shed the dirt of the day. It reminds us of safety and love.
When we become adults, unless we intentionally create reserves for the times when we need safety and love, we default to loneliness and isolation. We wander around looking for something to make us feel better.
By the way, you’re not alone. Others experience this too.
Creating a reserve is not so hard. Here are a few things you can do for yourself or for others.
First identify a place where you can find these things so that when you need them, they are handy:
Make a list of the things you are proud of for this year. Add to it as the year progresses so that you can see your growth.
Create a playlist or a list of songs or music that lifts you up and play it or share it.
Make a list of things you want to do, see or experience that are within ten miles of where you live
Make some fun. Create your own event that can recur- something like: a conversation topic that you invite a few people to discuss, Sudden Tea -an invitation to share a cup of tea on the spur of the moment. (This could also be coffee or a martini, depending on the time)
Make a list of other people who could use encouragement. Then, share one of the above tools with them. Getting out of yourself is a great Rubber Duckie Strategy!
These are just a few Rubber Duckie ideas.
Maybe you could add some of your own and share them with us?
Great list! One other that I find helpful is to set aside at least a half hour each day that I use to do something for no reason other than that I enjoy it. I find it especially helpful to do this on days when I think I’m "too busy" to do it.
Grant
This is great! Another idea would be to look through vacation photos. That brings me great memories and inspiration.