Finding clarity in such a busy and tumultuous world can be difficult. Ideas are slung in every direction and people pressure you choose what side to stand on. It may seem near impossible to clear your mind and find what is truly important to you, but you can take some simple steps to start the process.
1. Declutter your living space.
The feeling of a clean, junk-free home is fantastic. A great rule of thumb that I learned from my grandma is to get rid of anything that doesn’t give you joy. Aside from necessities and the basics, all you really need in your life are things that will make you smile. A baseball caught by your dad and signed by a player can stay, but that shirt that you wore on your first day of school in the 7th grade is out of here.
2. Start taking time to meditate.
When trying to navigate which courses you should take in school along with all of the other choices you will ultimately to make, it's important to remember that you have the ultimate say in what happens with your life. You decide how you should spend your time. Whether that is binge watching Netflix or training for a marathon each morning, taking the time to remember what is important to you and clearing your mind is vital to maintaining sanity. Yoga, kickboxing, reading, whatever helps give energy and clarity to your mind should be high on your list of daily tasks.
3. Channel your thoughts and feelings.
Maybe you have always wanted to start a blog. Maybe you need to start taking cooking classes. You can influence entire communities of people with fundraisers. Create a new way for yourself to look at life. Find out what you want to do and do what makes you happy. I personally feel the need to write out my thoughts with pen so I can see right in front of me why certain feelings exist.
4. Focus on your relationships.
Friendship is an amazing thing. When you have more time to focus on your relationships with your loved ones, use it. When all is said and done, your friends and family are all you have. The people that will stand by you no matter what choices you end up making are the ones you need to cultivate and cherish. When you make it big in life and find yourself exactly where you want to be, don't forget to take time just for those people that didn't let you down.
5. Put it into perspective.
Although it can be tricky at times, putting things into perspective can always help you get away from whatever current situation that you're in and find a way to shape your life in a clearer, more uplifting way. No matter how low life might seem to take you, remember there is always up, and in opposition and equally as important, down. Remember that if you are reading this, you have access to a computer. You most likely know where your next meal is coming from and you have the ability to eat it. That puts you in a small percentage of the world who actually has all of those opportunities.
Declutter, meditate, express you feelings, focus on relationships, and find perspective. Use these 5 tools regularly to gain a sense of sanity and peace in your life.
