Have you ever felt caught up in a whirlwind of thoughts, emotions, and things happening in your life that are you are doing good to just breathe?
- Did I remember my name today? Check.
- Did I know what I was supposed to do and showed up to work or meetings accordingly? Check.
- Did I remember what day it is? Somewhat.
- Did I pick up my child from aftercare? I think so…..
It’s almost like surviving the day is a small victory in itself.
If you can relate to days like this, say amen! These are days in which you are thankful just to make it through.
An example of this is when I used to work out consistently. I got dressed one morning planning to go to the gym before work. This was an almost daily routine for me. It was so automatic that I didn’t even have to think about. So I got in the car and set out to the gym. Only I actually ended up in the parking lot of my work in my gym attire. I remember thinking at that moment, “Christy you are really losing it!”
How did I end up on the other side of town in a place I was not supposed to be?
I was wrapped up in everything I was going to do later in the day that I actually forgot to be mindful of what I was doing in the moment.
How can we become more mindful and present when everything around us is speeding by?
Make a not to do list
We often spend time making a list or trying to figure out everything we need to do. However, making a list of the things not to do can be just as important in finding clarity in the chaos.
When trying to focus your life and time on the things that are most important to you, try to look for the things that take up your time which could be avoided. What actions and things do you spend time on that don’t serve you or your family? These may be things you need to automate, delegate or eliminate in your life to limit distractions.
Practice daily gratitude
There is nothing more powerful in changing your mindset from stressed out to content than to identify the things you are most grateful for. Just take a minute at the beginning or end of every day to think of at least 3 things you are thankful for. It could be something as small as the hot water in your shower or getting to where you need to be on time. It could be someone in your life you often take for granted.
If you are intentional about doing this daily, you will start to notice your mind beginning to automatically look for the things in your life that are good. And guess what? You will start to feel happier and less stressed because even in the midst of stressful moments when everything hits the fan, you know there are a few things in your life worth going through the craziness for.
Be mindful in the moment
Be the observer in whatever it is you are doing. It could be making breakfast for yourself or someone else, washing dishes, folding laundry, or driving. Look for things you haven’t noticed before. Identify how you feel. Observe more closely the people around you. Are they smiling, frowning, engaged in conversation? Appreciate the small, beautiful things you often miss when running around in your daily life.
As I am writing this blog post, I am on a beach trip with my friend’s family. With earplugs in my ears, I can’t really hear what is going on around me, but I notice my friend laughing and looking lovingly at her baby. My friend’s sister is making breakfast. And in the background the children are on the porch expectantly looking out towards the gulf, waiting for the opportunity to go swimming again.
There are so many beautiful things we miss when we are speeding through life and sometimes we have to remind ourselves to be intentional about paying attention.
And if all else fails when you have those crazy days, practice some self-love and compassion. We are all just trying to make it through this thing called life one day at a time. You got this friend!
BE INSPIRED
What’s one thing you could eliminate from your life that’s distracting you for the things you value the most? Comment below.
My son has high functioning autism, which to some family members and strangers, this translates to just “bad” behavior. It’s easy for me to get caught up in what other people (i.e. my sister) think instead of just focusing on loving my son and providing him with what I know he needs in moments of chaos. Thank you for reminding me to stop, focus, observe, and be grateful. This was much needed, friend! 🙂
Love you friend!! You are a great mom, and I know in this season of your life it can seem like a whirlwind, but just keep taking one step forward!
I find that social media distracts me from the things that are important in my life. I fasted from social media for 21 days at the beginning of 2019, I noticed a big difference in many areas of my life.
Yes!! Social media is a super big distraction. As I’m trying to utilize it more for connecting with others, I am really trying to find ways to set boundaries on my time utilizing it so it doesn’t take me away from the people and things I want to have my focus and attention.