While this is great advice, the reverse can also be said about being thankful. We SHOULD remember to be thankful about small stuff in our lives; in fact, it can make the difference between a good week and a bad one.
It is easy to become overwhelmed, especially in today's society full of social media. Not only do we have our own lives to worry about, but we are constantly in a state of attachment to our phones/ipads/laptops/whatever that leads to us almost obsessing over other people's lives. I'm not condemning social media at ALL (those who know me know my love for the ol twitter and instagram) I'm just making an observation about how overwhelming our lives become when we forget to take time for enjoying our blessings.
The weather outside, while still scorchingly hot, is beginning to have that slightly crisp breeze mixed into the stuffy humidity in the air. When I see a few dead leaves on the ground, blowing in the slight wind that comes through the breezeway in my apartment complex, I feel nothing short of relief. While summer is great and full of beaches and vacations and pools, I still can't help but feel that as the summer gets hotter and hotter throughout July, I'm practically holding my breath in anticipation for the day the heat finally breaks.
This type of weather always bring a lot of pensive and reflective thoughts my way. Before we know it, Thanksgiving will be upon us, and that means reflecting on things that we should be thankful for in our lives. I'm starting this process a little early this year and trying to take time to be thankful.
For those of you who don't know, my life has been a bit of a struggle these past five years or so, trying to figure out what direction I want to go in and what things I want to pursue. I've been examining myself closely, trying to define what exactly it is that makes me tick and what my desires are for my life. Yes, it is extremely frustrating, but my dad reminded me today that even though it doesn't feel like it, God is working a plan together for me.
I whine about not having a "real world" job (I'm a freelance writer and I work full time at a local frozen yogurt shop in TN) but my Dad pointed out that I am able to pay all of my bills, I have a flexible schedule, and an owner that is the best person I have had the pleasure of working for, well, ever.
I whine about not knowing what I'm going to do or where I'm going to be 6 months from now, but my Dad reminded me that nothing is more exciting than having no ties and no plans. I can go anywhere, be anyone and do anything I want to at this point in my life.
And to make things better, God has given me an opportunity to serve lunches to homeless people on Saturdays. Serving the less fortunate has always been a passion of mine, and I'm very grateful that I have this opportunity to give back to my community. Not to mention its a ton of fun, and the food is delicious!
My point in saying all of this is that sometimes I think we need to remember to take time to appreciate the little things, and I mean VERY little things in order to not get overwhelmed in our lives.
I have a lot of stress and anxiety (its just my personality) and even though I'm a "chill" person, I still get extremely anxious about stuff. For this reason, I have to take lots of what I call "mini vacations" every week, and I'm convinced that without them, I would go crazy!
I've made a little list of some little things (mini vacations) I like to do to help my mindset get reset when I feel overwhelmed. Here are a few of them:
- Read a book under a tree. For some reason, reading outside, either on a blanket or in a hammock or chair, is one of the most relaxing activities for me. Reading by a pool is nice, and can help with the vacation mindset, but there's just something about being under shade that is just so amazing.
- Be cliche. Don't be afraid to take a steamy hot bubble bath, complete with candles, wine and a good book. Go for it! It can be incredibly therapeutic. Although, if you have a kindle/nook like me, be extra careful not to drop it into the water! Go all out by bringing ice cream or something of a treat in with you. Listen to that new album you've been wanting to hear, and get lost in your own bubble of leisure.
- Take a walk, or a drive, somewhere you've never been. Even in your own town, no matter how small, I guarantee there are places you've never visited before. Whether its a hike, a stroll downtown, or a drive to a part of town you've never been to before, it will help you feel like you're on a mini vacation in your own town.
- Look at the local websites for fun ideas. Along the same lines as the previous one, pretend like your town is a place you're on vacation, even if only for a few hours. Check out a visitor's center or chamber of commerce and see what there is to do that you've never done before. I found a few small festivals going on in my area, and got to pretend like I was a tourist for an entire afternoon!
- Go out to eat. While eating in is great for being healthy (and easy on your wallet!) sometimes you just need a night out. Whether you want to go out on a date with your hubby/boyfriend, have a girls night, or even fly solo, make sure that you do things that YOU want to do. Go to a nice restaurant, see a movie, walk around downtown, do whatever you feel like!
- Take a weekend trip. For me, one of my main mini vacations involves going to my parent's house, nuzzled deep in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Something about the mountain air and being home with my family is the best vacation I can have. Whenever I have two days off, I typically go on a trip, and a lot of times I end up in North Carolina! There's nothing that says relaxing like sitting on a porch watching the sun set over the mountains. No, its not exotic and the town itself is SUPER small, but its one of the most rejuvenating places in the whole world to me.
Do you have any other ideas for mini vacations? Do tell! I'm always looking for new ways to unwind and destress! Have a great week guys!
