Let’s face it: we are consumers. And as consumers we live in a society which encourages our consumerism. While this is not necessarily a flaw, it often tempts us into a lifestyle of complacency. Consumerism should breed innovation rather than distraction. New products mean new ideas and contribute to progress. As a result, we are inspired as human beings to contribute as well. However, more and more I find we are less inspired and more distracted by the bright lights of social media or the provocative letters staining headlines. We compare our lives to others and try to match—if not surpass—our happiness to theirs only making ourselves more miserable in the process. I’ve struggled with being less distracted and more motivated and I found seven different ways to minimize my discontentment and maximize my awareness of what I already have going for me.
1. Turn off Facebook
First I want to make myself clear about this: I am not suggesting you cancel all social media accounts and go “off the grid” or join an Amish community in Pennsylvania. I merely want to suggest to you the benefits of pulling away from checking up on other people’s lives and pay a little more attention to your own. You will find all of this precious time you didn’t you know had before. Suddenly you are able to finish reading Crime and Punishment (ok maybe not that much time and, let’s face it, you weren’t interested in how it turned out anyway). But maybe you rediscover your love for jazz or your favorite smoothie recipe. All in all, Facebook takes up more of our precious time than we care to admit and it couldn’t hurt to use some of that time for actual living rather than watching.
2. Take Time for your favorite hobby
In the words of a very wise, animated cowboy: “If you don’t have one…get one!” (Yes, I just referenced Woody from Toy Story). Hobbies are integral to our creative nature as human beings. And yet, when people asked me what hobbies I enjoyed, I scared myself when I realized I didn’t have any. I found myself wanting to say: “Does envying count?” I spent most of my time looking at what other people had or were good at and never took time to discover what I already had going for me. Therefore, I think it is essential that we all find something we enjoy doing simply for the sake of doing. I discovered a new love for scrapbooking, singing, reading, and even cooking. No matter how random the activity, if you enjoy it, do it!
3. Get out
Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines the phrase “get out” as: “leave; escape.” I agree with this definition. Try to “leave” or “escape” complacency and idleness. Go for a run or walk on the beach and enjoy being out for a change. See the world around you instead of making sure everyone is watching you live in it.
4. Clean or Contribute
And by “contribute” I don’t mean a comment or criticism. Nowadays it is so easy to feel like an authority on multiple subjects due to the vast amounts of information at our fingertips. But seriously, when was the last time any of us actually completed a menial task to the best of our ability? I speak from personal experience when I say there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the gleam of a freshly polished mahogany bookcase. I would go so far as to say menial tasks are not only humbling they provide us with a whole new appreciation for our mothers.
5. Talk to someone
I think texting is a real threat to decent conversation. I find my tongue is so lazy at times, I would rather speak text than actual English. On the other hand, my thumbs and forefingers have never been more limber. But never underestimate the power of face-to-face, real life conversation with another human being from our home planet. Nothing compares and nothing can ever compare. Even if you’re shy, try to find time for those people you know you can be yourself around. The ones you are comfortable crying on the shoulders of or burping in public with. Those are the ones you need to keep close to your heart and the perfect way to do that is through conversation.
6. Turn off your phone
This may feel unthinkable in our day and age, but trust me it is well worth the sacrifice. Now I wouldn’t suggest turning it off during your work week or during an important event. But in your spare time or when you know you are long overdue for a decent nap, try turning it off and see what the silence does for you. No notifications vibrating on your desk just to tell you that new updates are now available. No texts reading “k” after you told a friend you were heading home four hours ago. Just pure, blissful silence and a moment to yourself. Whether it is an hour or a whole weekend, you deserve to have a little peace and quiet. And if people judge, you won’t know about it until you turn your phone back on.
7. See without a lens
Though I am grateful for the quality pictures we can take today, I noticed that I no longer look at the places I am capturing on camera. I don’t take the time to see what is before me. In my rush to share it with the world I actually miss out on it myself. So, before you take a selfie next to that oddly shaped rock in the random forest you are in, actually look at it and marvel…then take the picture. See what it looks like without a lens before trying to capture it with one. Your memories may just do it more justice.
If none of these suggestions motivated you maybe this will: Try exploring what you have for a change and kick discontentment in the teeth. I dare you.
