If there is one thing I enjoy doing, it is having conversations about certain things society sees as the norm. A few days ago, I was talking to a friend about how every stage of my life seems like preparation for a bigger stage. She agreed with me and expressed her sentiments. I told her that I try to make the most of every day, but that it is very difficult because my duties take up most of my time. Whenever I tell people this, they say things like “find beauty in what you are doing,” but this is not what I want to do. I want to do what I find beautiful and interesting. I believe that sometimes, we all need to pause, take a break, and breathe. Here are a few things I believe people can do to feel like they have control over their lives.
Watch a movie/tv show/YouTube video
Recently, I have noticed that I have not watched a YouTube video or movie in a while. I feel awful after a while and hastily close the Netflix tab. However, I should be allowed to watch a show, movie, or YouTube video if I feel like I deserve it. I’ve unconsciously fallen into this cycle of toxic productivity. Toxic productivity is a person’s inability to stop working and take adequate time to rest. My life’s mission isn’t to finish a task every day, so I’m not going to make it about that.
Take a walk without any gadgets
This is something I will work towards in 2022 because it is very important. We get so caught up in our daily routines that we forget we aren’t the only ones who live on this magnificent planet. Take a walk without looking at your phone. Take note of the limbs on the trees you pass or the squirrels’ scrambling. When you pay attention to the little things, you’ll notice that the world’s weight isn’t on your shoulders. As a result, if you decide to take a break, nothing will fall apart.
Journal
I’ve found that journaling is the most effective approach for me to express myself. I took up journaling during the pandemic when I was getting anxious about the future. As the days progressed, journaling was the most effective way for me to communicate my anxieties, rage, and excitement. This is a habit I have continued in college, and it has helped me to relax when I’m feeling stressed. You may not even be aware that you are suppressing your feelings until one day, after a tiny inconvenience, everything comes rushing out. This isn’t to say that journaling is for everyone, but what’s the harm in giving it a shot?
Do what you enjoy
If you enjoy dancing to a very old band, do it. If you love sleeping in until 2:30pm, do it. Simply do what you enjoy, and you will notice a significant improvement in your mood.
It’s all too easy for us to forget that we’re supposed to enjoy our lives now, rather than waiting for each stage to arrive. Unfortunately, society has been designed in such a way that we are continually striving for greater heights while overlooking our current position. Instead of finding beauty in what you do, seek to do something you find lovely and intriguing every day. There is a huge difference between the two and you will notice when you start. The world was here before you came, and it will still be here after you leave. Your only job is to live what YOU define as a meaningful life and enjoy it as you do so.
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