Last week, I shared with you a (not so) secret: Christmas isn’t about the big presents and the fancy decorations (Slow down. Relax. And read it HERE)
Today, I want to talk more about one of the points from that article.
December just start and I think learning to live in the moment is the key to being happy and share gratefulness. But how?
So first, please stop rushing…
Instead, breathe!
Now, before going further, I have a question for you:
Are you making it your personal goal to close out the year by reflecting all there is to be thankful for?
This is a perfect activity to broaden your mindset and invite more positivity into your life during the festive holiday season.
One way to slow down is by practicing purposeful living. This can be one of the hardest things to do, especially in our fast-paced world where electronics seem to make demands on us every second of every day.
Remember: You are allowed to shut out the constant clamoring
of a demanding life.
In fact—it’s really bad for your health not to!
Stop Allowing Technology to Rule Your Life!
Decide when it’s time to check email and messages, not the other way around. Don’t fall into the trap of liking and adding emoticons to everything you see on social media. Go for quality, not quantity, in your online communication. After all, you get out what you put in.
Give your mate, children and friends the gift of your full attention
Look people in the eyes as they’re speaking to you. Listen to their whole story without giving in to the urge to interrupt. Even if you’re someplace like the park, or a restaurant, where attention is often divided, put down your phone.
Being stuck in the virtual world of social media and online information is exactly the opposite of staying fully present.
Learn to Say “NO”
When we try to please everybody, we end up pleasing no one, least of all ourselves. Quality suffers. We make more mistakes, and we find ourselves spread too thin which is frustrating. If your commitments have begun to seem more like a burden and a hassle than a way to give of yourself in a way that feels good and rewarding, that means you’ve overbooked yourself.
You’ll find joy in your life’s work when you take the time to do things right, slow down and say no to all the rest.
Spend Time in Nature, Every Day
If you have a dog, take him or her outside for a walk. It doesn’t have to be a long excursion, just 15 minutes around the block is all you need.
When you have a few hours of free time, head to the park or take a hike down a sunlit path through the woods. Don’t be one of those people who hear the weather report and decide to hole up indoors under artificial light!
A little rain, cold and snow is good for the body and soul.
Be grateful for the goodness of our planet!
Exercice #1 : Find Ways to Slow Down
If you find it difficult to slow down, you may need a release of some sort to clear your head and allow you to focus. I think it’s something super important to start doing right now if you want to keep your sanity through next year.
- For example, try to engage in some light stretching, do yoga, or go for a short jog to help relieve stress.
- After you’ve exercised, enjoy a cool and refreshing drink of water. Then, allow your mind to take you on a leisurely journey of the senses.
- To do this, pick a single experience. It might be heading to the park with your small child. Children are naturally gifted at staying in the present. It could be playing ball with your dog in the backyard. Maybe it’s just doing something for yourself, like sitting by a fireplace and simply relaxing with your thoughts.
Whatever you do, take time to notice everything. Open your eyes and ears. Tune in your sense to the world around you.
Journal It
Living in the present moment really lends itself to writing something beautiful. Whatever your pleasure-centered activity may be, plan to write about it afterward.
You don’t have to follow with immediate journaling if that doesn’t work for your schedule. You can do the quiet activity, then let the experience digest in your mind as the day’s remaining events unfold.
When you’re ready, write down what you saw, heard, smelled, even tasted. Talk about how it made you feel. What were you blessed with, in that precious moment?
A blessed mindset comes easy
when we stop focusing our full attention on the beauty
of this world and all its gifts!
What will you put in place to help you slow down and enjoy this holiday season at its best? Please share your thoughts; it might be useful for all of us!
