Hi there, I’m Aarti, Founder and Lead Psychotherapist at Incontact. Welcome to the 5th edition of 1-1-2 Inspire! I hope this weekly spark continues to bring you inspiration and tools to live more mindfully.

Today’s story comes from the book, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. It’s a short novel that explores the healing power of connection and its role in finding meaning in life.

So here’s 1 story, 1 takeaway, and 2 tips to see you through a brighter week. 

1 Story

From solitude to connection

Ove was 59. He had always preferred solitude. All he needed was rules, routine, and memories of his dead wife. At least, that’s what he told himself.

But then came Parvaneh, his new neighbor, with her clumsiness, persistent questions, and a knack for barging into his carefully ordered life.

One winter morning, as Ove trudged outside with his snow shovel, he saw Parvaneh struggling to fix a ladder against her house. 🪜 Her husband was too uncoordinated to help, and she, visibly pregnant, was determined to change a stuck window herself.

Ove yelled at her to stop. "You people don’t even know how to place a ladder properly! Step aside.” With his gruff demeanor intact, he climbed up, muttering about incompetence.

By the time the task was done, Parvaneh handed him a cup of tea and a plate of cookies as thanks. She sat beside him, her chatter filling the quiet yard. Ove didn’t respond much, but her presence softened something within him.

Later, as she left, she turned back and smiled. "You know, Ove, you’re a good man, no matter how much you try to hide it."

Her words lingered with Ove.

That day, Ove felt a spark—a connection was pulling him back to life.

Little did he know, it was the start of a bond that would slowly bring warmth back to his frozen heart and transform his life for a renewed sense of purpose.

1 Takeaway

The power of connection

Purpose isn’t always about grand achievements—it’s often found in simple, everyday acts of kindness. Connection, even in its smallest forms, has the power to heal and bring us back to life. Just like it did for Ove.

We all face moments when we feel stuck or alone. In those times, consider reaching out to help someone else. A shared laugh, a kind word, or lending a hand might just be the spark that reignites your own sense of purpose.

Tip #1

A calming ritual to anchor your day

Start or end your day with a simple grounding ritual:

1. Sit in a quiet space, close your eyes, and take three slow, deep breaths.

2. Reflect on one positive moment from your day or something you’re looking forward to.

3. Visualize someone you care about and mentally send them love or gratitude.

This practice takes just two minutes but can centre your mind and bring a sense of peace. 😇

Tip #2

A gratitude shift to elevate your mood

When faced with a frustrating situation, ask yourself: What’s one small thing I can appreciate right now?

• Stuck in traffic? Be grateful for the podcast or playlist keeping you company.

• Overwhelmed with tasks? Appreciate the trust others place in you.

Training your mind to find gratitude in small moments rewires it to notice the positive more naturally. 🙏