With the second month already beginning, most of us are into achieving our New Year's Resolutions. Whether it ranges from small acts of kindness, to doing selfless things for yourself, to writing down five things you're grateful for every day for a year like I do, don't forget to do it wholeheartedly. It takes 21 days to make or break a habit. Doing anything wholeheartedly makes you feel more pleasure and gratitude towards the things you're doing. Try to be different than the rest of the people. Stand out. Notice the finer things in life.
It wasn't until last week that I felt more gratitude for the smaller things -- being alive, having two legs to walk and take me to places, reading books I take pleasure in, eating organic food to nourish my whole body and being able to experience four seasons in a year. I'm grateful for my love of traveling and experiencing different countries, listening to electronic music and having more opportunities open up.
While at a concert a few years ago in The Netherlands, I noticed people were into the music and whipped their phones out to record the concert. I couldn't help but be astounded: Why were they recording at a concert? Be present and enjoy the music as long as you're here. If you can fully be present and enjoy where you are while filming at the same time, by all means, have at it. It was hard to enjoy the concert with the glowing screens all around me, waving in the air as people danced to the music. I've seen people taking pictures of common, everyday things like snapping a photo of the food they're eating, clothes they're wearing or whatever situation they find themselves in. I catch myself asking, how often will you look at the photo and remember the great pizza you've had or how beautiful the sunset was on a cool summer evening? Take in the beauty of the food, clothes or whichever situation you're in by absorbing the colors, feeling the texture and enjoying every moment life has to offer.
Be different than the rest of society. Be yourself. Some of the common things I've noticed that people do is that they constantly use the word "busy" no matter what situation they're in. I met up with an acquaintance a few months ago to listen to her point of view of something. As soon as I introduced myself, I asked how she was. The woman replied with, "Busy, busy, busy." After hearing this, I forced a smile and felt meeting was something she felt obliged to do, rather than wanting to do it. Everywhere I go, I see people rushing from one place to the other, in a hurry to get to their destination. Try eliminating the word, "busy" and see how your life changes. Your brain will think you're constantly busy even when you're not and the cortisol levels (stress hormones) increase. Make things a priority and do it wholeheartedly. Use your phone less throughout the day; you have plenty of opportunities to use social media, text and catch up on emails. Be in the present; use your full attention when talking to a friend, doing homework or reading a book. Your brain will be more relaxed and absorb information faster. After all, it only takes 21 days to make or break a habit.
In the words of Eckhart Tolle, "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have."
