“My destination is no longer a place, but a way of seeing.”
I’ve thought about this lately. The striving in life to accomplish this or get here or go there. To acquire this or that, to be first, the best …
The Striving That Never Ends
So often I think that when I get through this next thing, or finish this next project or get something then I’ll be done, or have made it or I’ll have the time to do what I really want to do. I’ll have the time to stop and think or have time for myself. If I can just get through this week, next week I’ll have time …
But there is always the next thing. Something else that needs my attention.
We need to make the next thing ourselves. Take the time to put our needs first. We can’t be everything to everyone if we are not taking care of ourselves.
Put the destination, task or event on hold. Sometimes even for a few minutes and come back to ourselves.
Reclaiming Your Time, Bit by Bit
Take a deep breath and be aware of where we are and what we are doing in the moment. Look around. Appreciate all you have done so far in your life. Small accomplishments. Little victories.
Come Back to Yourself
Notice the small things, the many small things that make up the big things in your life.
Notice the way the light is coming in the window. The leaves on the trees, the feel of the wind blowing your hair across your face. The sound of the furnace turning on (my husband’s nemesis, lol) or the water coming out of the faucet.
Take some time for yourself, to just be. Quiet your mind and focus on what is really important. If it is the next task you need to do, then do it, but try to be aware of what you are doing in that moment. Pay attention to how you are doing it, the way you feel when you are moving through the task.
Small Things Are the Big Things
- Make some time in your day for you.
- Wake up and stretch, smile at the new day.
- Think of all the things you are grateful for. Think of two or three, or ten things. Smile to yourself as you think of them. If you want, write them down.
- As you move through the day, notice things around you. Be conscious of your surroundings.
- Smile and say hello, make eye contact with people at work, or at the grocery store.
- As you eat, really taste your food.
- Even mopping the floor or folding laundry, I know, I know, but you can meditate even while doing it. It can be calming, repetitive, satisfying. (And you deserve a clean home and unwrinkled clothes, lol)
Hug Can Be Everything
Give your loved ones a hug, it’s amazing what a hug can do. (I think this one deserves it’s own post!! It’s here.)
Moved Through Your Day With Awareness?
Before bed, reflect on your day. Look for the positive. If there are things that you didn’t like, don’t dwell on them. Think of all the wonderful possibilities for the next day.
Smile, take a deep breath and be kind to yourself.
This is the kind of conversation that grows.
What helps you come back to yourself during a busy day?