I’ve been self evaluating a lot recently. Being a naturally introspective person, I find contentment when I’ve sorted through thoughts and feelings, unveiling truth and answering one of the biggest questions that is vocalized in the smallest little word: why? WHY does it seem like I’m always in the car with my thoughts? WHY do I always have all of these stacks of papers on my desk? I’ve been really trying to take the mundane and “everyday” things in my life and find beauty in them. But, it can be so hard! Especially when you feel like there’s always one more thing that needs to get done, or one more person who needs your attention. I know that I know that the key to living the life you desire is to intentionally cultivate a make space for the things and people you desire IN your life. But sometimes, there are those little nuisances that you just can’t avoid. I’ve been intentionally trying to find the blessings in these nuisances and I’m sharing some of my discoveries below!
- The travel time to and from your destination: I found myself resenting the drive to get somewhere because I believed that my time could be better spent NOT being behind the wheel trying to get there. I quickly realized though that if there wasn’t travel time I wouldn’t be left alone with my thoughts, and sometimes, even when we don’t want to be, being alone with our thoughts is the biggest blessing. Life gets busy. There are places to go and not enough time in the day to do it all. I think one of the biggest blessings in this life is that we can’t just instantly arrive anywhere. Traveling takes time. Whether it’s to work or to drop the kiddos off at a friends house, alone time in the car is when my mind is able to settle with it’s thoughts and self evaluate. Realizing how much I need this time has helped me appreciate it so much more.
- The people you pass by in the grocery store: One of my New Years resolutions was to smile more and remember names. Call me crazy, but I believe those two things can change our world. Last week, I was running errands when I stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things. I was making my way down an aisle when a fellow customer made eye contact with me. Instead of quickly looking away, or busying themselves with their phone, this customer smiled at me and asked me how I was. I was so taken aback. For some reason it was the sweetest sentiment. Even in the midst of the busy, taking time to acknowledge the faces that we so quickly pass by is one of the most powerful things we can do.
- Being the last one to let go in a hug: When you are hired on at Disney World, one of the first things they tell you is never let go first when a child hugs you. Sounds simple right? But it is SO powerful. By letting the other person, let go first, you’re telling them that they can trust you to hold on. How amazing is that? Now, I know there are plenty of us who like our personal space, but I think we can all agree that there is nothing quite as sweet as a big ole hug. Next time you’re hugging someone you love, hold on a little tighter, and let them let go first. I swear it will bless you AND them!
- Those piles of clutter that you just don’t need: I get overwhelmed by messes. Growing up, I was famous for leaving things in piles around the house, with the promise to “get them later”. My mom always threaten to throw my clutter away if I didn’t take care of it by our agreed to time. Many times I’d just move the piles into my own room, allowing them to sit there untouched. One day, I didn’t make the deadline and mom informed me that she had thrown my clutter away. At first, I was angry! But then, I realized I didn’t actually need or want anything that she had trashed. Sometimes we hold onto things out of obligation, but we actually don’t need them at all. Taking thirty minutes to “trash or keep” has blessed me and my home so much recently!
- Starting My Day with A Plan- They say ” A goal without a plan is just a wish”– and boy are they right! Starting my day with a pen and a piece of paper is one of the best ways to organize what the day will hold. I actually have a notebook specifically for my “to do today” lists, and each day I start a new page with a new list. As soon as my work hours start, I sit down to write. This helps me prioritize and turn my dreams into goals, and my wishes into realities! Without this little 5 minute routine, I don’t know where I’d be. I had NO idea how much of a blessing it was to “plan” until I started doing it. Planning helps me realize what I DO have time for, and what I don’t have time for!
- Pausing to go outside- If you’re anything like me, most of your time is spent indoors, at a computer. As much as I love my job, I’ve come to realize how essential it is for me to take time throughout my day to simply be outdoors. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading on the back deck, or parking a little farther away from my destination so I can be outside for a little longer, the sunshine and outdoor air always make me feel a little better!
xoxox
AnnaFilly
Leave a Reply