clouds and how they look different throughout the day
the different colors the mornings can have. sometimes it's an orange hue and sometimes pink and sometimes it's too misty to tell
pretty color schemes in random places (the trees and your neighbors wooden patio and the color of their car)
the states of the vehicles passing you by, dents and scratches and the different trinkets suspended from their rearview mirrors
the sound of silence
the shadows the lights cast in your home, like how sunset looks different than sunrise, and the shadows the sun casts look different than those of your lamps and candles
pretty details in buildings and houses like certain types of windows or doorknobs or archways
the movement of things in the wind. flags, leaves, flowers, people's hair and coats
Your impact on other people is bigger than you think. Someone still giggles when they think of that funny thing you said. Someone still smiles when they think of the compliment you gave them. Someone silently admires you. The advice you gave has made a difference for people. The support and love you've offered others has made someone's day. Your input and opinions have made someone think twice. You are not insignificant and forgotten. Your existence makes a positive difference, whether you see it or not.
Hey, stop scrolling for a minute. How are you doing? You okay? Come and sit down with me in the kitchen for a bit. It’s a warm day, the radio is playing all the oldies, the door is open and we can hear the birds. I’ll stick the kettle on. Do you take milk? Sugar? I’m baking some bread today, do you want to help? Or you can just sit and keep me company if you like. You can tell me everything that’s been going on. Or you could info dump about your favourite thing or tv show, I’d love to hear about the things you like. Or you can just sit at the table if you want, you could paint or draw or play animal crossing whilst I go about the kitchen and we can pass the time of day in contended quietness. Because you’re safe here. You can stay as long as you like and you can always come back. Everything will be okay, darling, you’ll see.
I understand that you want to be realistic that things may go wrong, but try to remember there is a line between realism and pessimism. “Things could go wrong, so I’ll make a good plan and try my best” will always be better than “Things will probably go badly so I have to assume it will be a disaster.” Don’t dwell on the worst-case scenario.
Let your bad thoughts be bad thoughts and your bad feelings be bad feelings. Let "I feel so worthless right now" turn into "I want to do something that'll make me feel better" instead of "the fact that I feel worthless must mean that I am". There is so much power in actively refusing to tie negativity to the way you see yourself, without ignoring it altogether.
Stop scrolling for a minute, take a deep breath. Come and sit down on the porch steps with me. It’s early morning, but the sun is already high in the sky. The birds are singing, I’ve made you a cup of tea and there will always be biscuits. Just take a moment, you’ve got time. Remember no matter how bad things seem, everything will be okay. You’re safe here and you can always come back when you need to. Chin up, my darling, you’re going to be just fine.