Does that ever happen to you?
I realized something this week about how I think and why it needs to change.
Settling into these midlife years… yes, I’m soon to be 43 and proud! I’m feeling compelled to share what’s going on and some of the realizations I’m having. I hope you don’t mind me exploring those thoughts with you.
Tomorrow is never a promise and we must appreciate the here and now.
Today is a gift, don’t take it for granted.
This is something I need to keep reminding myself about lately. Sometimes I feel like I’m wasting today, wanting tomorrow. I’m not taking the time to appreciate and have gratitude for what I have today and being OK with it. I need to stop making my happiness contingent upon what tomorrow brings or what the future has in store.
So why the change it thinking?
Well, it starts with my drive home from work one night listening to a podcast. I love podcasts (I mean really LOVE them). They can be life changing, I kid you not.
They are my little indulgence and I love my time alone when I can just escape and listen.
I learn, I think and then sometimes I… stop in my tracks.
Tonight was one of those times.
I had moment driving home that just hit me like a ton of bricks. Jeremy and Jason from Internet Business Mastery were discussing their lifestyle business strategies and reflecting on some lessons learned.
They talked about how we can set goals, achieve them and then settle in a new normal – still seeking that ever evasive “happiness” we were looking for when we set those goals in the first place and not recognizing accomplishments and happiness along the way.
I’m beyond guilty of this. I’m sure that anyone reading this is guilty too. I guess the first step to changing this mindless circuit is to be mindful that it’s happening.
I have some big goals and I’ve not met them – I can be real and honest with myself and say… I’m not even close to achieving them and I’m not really sure exactly what they are any more so progressing towards them has become a mirage. This never-ending seeking of something I don’t have is really bringing me down. I have a feeling I’m not alone in this thinking pattern.
I need to stop it.
You need to stop it.
We all need to because it does not serve us.
It does not bring us light and peace, only guilt, shame and darkness.
It’s time to stop thinking about;
the art I’m not creating,
the exercise I’m not doing,
the business I don’t have,
the blog I don’t update (changing that with this post),
the money that is not in my savings account.
I think you get my drift.
Part of my new habit to help change this pattern of thinking is to be creative everyday, even if just for a moment. I have such joy in a little doodle, painting, quote that it feeds my soul and is something I MUST do to keep me going in the right direction.
I’m sharing my creative adventures on Instagram – please take a look and enjoy a peek into all that makes me happy.
My little happy place to share what I love…
Hey Crystal, I’m in and can definitely relate. Even if we do set goals and meet them, I’ve found that what you thought would provide happiness at the beginning usually doesn’t in the end. If may bring fleeting happiness for a day, but it doesn’t last.
I used to be real good about starting each day being thankful for everything from running water, to the air we breathe, etc. and for some reason it started to be maybe a once a week thing if that. It really did make a difference, setting a positive tone for the day. I started to bring that back after reading your post.
My Podcast this week is also about having the right mindset for success and it kinda goes along with what you’re saying. I’ve been following my own advice this week to mix things up. Do something different each day. Whether it is taking a different route to work, instead of rushing and having the same pre-work routine, take 5 minutes to play with your children or pets, send someone a quick email just to say hello. Anything that gets you out of the same everyday routine can have a positive effect and provide a spark for new and exciting things.
Have a great day!
Hey Chris – thanks for commenting! I really hear you! We can all get so busy in the mindless routines of our lives that we forget to take those moments to reflect and appreciate. Like right now I have a few minutes to myself before work and I’m just enjoying the moments I have to read this comment – reply and say hi, all while listening to the outdoor sounds outside of my window and feeling a little breeze while my doggy sleeps at my feet :). I’m lucky I didn’t have to rush off to work right away and could have these few minutes – while few they are.
We are so lucky compared to others, yet I think we as a culture appreciate less. Yes we might want more, and growth is good – but the appreciation of here and now is what matters most. Your podcast is in my cue and sounds like it’s very timely for me!
Have a wonderful day my friend!
Agree 100% and nice job of living in the moment this AM!
I took 10 minutes out of my morning before work and FaceTime’d my mom/niece/nephew and also found a new toy to play with the cats with and they had a blast and it really did have a huge effect on my day.
Of course I was 10 minutes later to work as a result, but I have a bit of flexibility and no one cares. 😉
I notice my mind is much more open and positive.
I saw a friend comment on the FB page of a complete stranger (to me) that is really having a tough time going through cancer treatments and it is one thing after another for her and she is really down on her luck. It is odd that would show up in my feed in the first place, but I saw that as a sign and I immediately knew I had to reach out and see if there was anything I can do to offer them encouragement, donation, etc.
Normally that would be something that would just fly by my screen without a second thought, but I really credit being more mindful these past few days and a positive attitude for causing me to reach out instead.
Thanks for the post/motivation!
I’ll take 10 minutes late any day to have those little moments with family :). Thanks for sharing the mindful actions and positive attitude – you are always so positive! I’m glad we’re both putting a little more effort into these actions – it will pay off indeed!
It’s all about perceptions and how we all look at each situation and our surroundings too. As a painter/artist – this article really resonated with me – you might like it too.
Fantastic post! Thanks so much for the mention too!
Thank you so much for the comment Jeremy! I really appreciate you stopping by. Your podcast inspires me! I always look forward to it! Had to give you guys credit for my Aha! moment 😉
So truuuuuuuue. Glad this resonates with you, too. I dig the art!
Hi Jason! Thank you very much for the comment. Your podcast is one of the only ones that I’ve consistently listened to. You guys really are THE BEST when it comes to mindset, process and action. Thank you for inspiring me every week. Glad you like the art – sometimes simple communicates best. 🙂