Last Monday, July 2nd marked the halfway point of 2018 where 182 days are behind us and 182 days are still ahead of us (and when you read this there will be even less days ahead, but never mind that). In my opinion, the first half of 2018 went by WAY to fast. It was a blur of completing goals, making mistakes, and creating some of the best moments. And as soon as we know it, 2018 and its triumphs, downfalls, and memories will be behind us and we will begin to pursue the goals of 2019. That is why I believe now is the perfect opportunity to take time to reflect on what you have done and what you still wish to do this year.
Trust me, I am not one to take time to myself, but I really have been trying. I have discovered the importance of allowing for time to just live and reflect. I know this concept can seem foreign in today's society as it can be easier to block the world out and hone in on the world beneath our screens. It is complete irony as now we are supposed to be more connected than ever before, but we are actually very distanced from real life. Our lives are like record players on repeat where we live by staying connected through our devices and tackle goals with the main objective of crossing them off of a checklist. There is no time to think about the importance and meaning of our actions and ambitions or reflect upon the way accomplishing a task makes us feel. It wasn't until I stopped and listened to my thoughts that I was able to lull the chaos of everyday life. Mindfulness (aka stopping to reflect and be aware of the present) allows you to pay detailed attention to the world and truly listen to yourself.
Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways:
Allowing yourself to just sit, breathe, and think (this sounds boring, but I promise allowing yourself to do nothing is extremely satisfying and rewarding)
Trying out some yoga poses (i am no expert, but with practice it can be very soothing)
Taking a long shower or walk (it can be kind of fun to escape reality for a bit and just indulge in your thoughts)
So, I leave you with this. Give yourself time: whether it be 5 minutes to sit and think during your commute to work or an hour as you take a stroll around your neighborhood. There is so much time for you to finish all that you started before 2019 hits, so why not just clear your schedule for some time to live.