I have done this before. I have told myself that I HAVE TO do something. I have to study, I have to do my chores, I have to run my errands, etc. And I would wonder why it felt as if time was going slower than normal. I would feel as if I was dragging my feet because I just HAD to do this task. It was one day when I heard about changing your mindset and seeing how much it’ll benefit you in the long run.
Well, I thought about what I can change. One of the things that I could change was by saying that I get to do x, y, z. And, honestly, in the long run, it’s done so much for me. It’s allowed me to enjoy the small trips that I take for errands, make me feel as if I don’t have to rush myself, and I get to enjoy the little moments that occur in my life. It’s been eye-opening for me, so I hope that I can open your eyes too!
You’re blessed with more things than you know
There are many things that we take for granted just because they’re easily accessible to us. It’s only when that accessibility is threatened or taken away, whether permanently or temporarily, when we begin to show some appreciation for it. I know that, for me, though I show my appreciation as much as I can, there are even moments for me to learn how grateful I am to have certain things in my life.
For example, I remember when the water heater burst in my house. I know, first world problems, but it paints the picture. I didn’t realize how grateful I was for that hot water until I took a cold shower. And man, I started taking the quickest showers possible! Once that water heater was fixed, every single time I felt that water heat up, I thanked the Universe! And, of course, I have had other moments that I could go into, but I feel as if you can see the point.
I mean, it’s amazing to receive a new perspective on things that you didn’t realize was that big of a deal (and I’m not talking about just hot water). Some people may complain that their house is a mess, they hate traffic, or something along those lines. And I don’t undermine those people’s frustrations, because they are valid. I just like to say that there’s someone out there who would take a messy house or traffic any day if it meant that they had a car or a house to come to.
Now, of course, there are bigger things that we appreciate: health, family, abundance (doesn’t have to be monetary), etc. I try my very best, because I’m human, to appreciate those around me. Even when they get on my nerves and I want to give them a little tough love, I still want to give them their flowers. I had lost an uncle of mine from cancer. His death wasn’t unexpected, but it still affected me.
I’ll be honest, as a kid, I didn’t like him. Don’t ask me why, but I don’t know. It was just a vibe that he had. But, as time went on, that dislike became less and less. Now, he had his flaws, but I still loved him for who he was. After I lost that uncle, I had another uncle die UNEXPECTEDLY. I mean, NO ONE in the family saw it coming. And it’s nothing like looking back and wishing that you spent a little more time with someone, just so you could get a few more words in.
Now, I make sure to be appreciative of the time I get to spend with those I love. It may be for 5 minutes, but those 5 minutes count! It’s those 5 minutes that you can look back on and realize how much fun, memories, and conversations you had with that person. Those are the memories and moments that you cherish.
Getting lost in time vs. repeatedly finding time
It’s similar to what I mentioned when I talked about how time could feel slower. I know you’ve had a moment, or two, where you’ve been doing something and kept on looking at that clock. And guess what? Only 30 seconds had gone by. Then, the opposite occurs. You’re doing an activity and you don’t even look at the clock. The next thing you know, 3 hours have passed and the sun is starting to set!
How does this happen? Well, it’s the power of your focus! What do you want to focus on? Do you want to focus on how much time has passed? What you could’ve done with that time? What time are you thinking of using that excuse so you can go home? OR, you can do your best to make the most of the situation and, if anything, enjoy yourself. I’ve been in places where I didn’t want to be at, wanted the gathering to be quick, and go home to relax.
However, I noticed that when I began to bring myself into the atmosphere, talk to some people, join in at least one of the activities, what do you know? I started to have fun! I know, it’s crazy, but it’s true! If that wasn’t the case, then I made my own fun. If I knew the place wasn’t my scene, I would hang out with myself. And, I’m telling you, I would have a blast! To me, it’s all about getting into the groove of the event, or your own fun.
If you can make a situation become more enjoyable by any means, then give it your all! Get out of your own comfort zone and talk to someone. If you brought a friend, try to talk to them. Don’t see anyone you know, just circle around and see if there’s anyone who FEEL like talking to. If not, then be with yourself and have your own fun. I know I’ve done that before, and there have been times where I have had more fun than the people who were with a group!
Honestly, when it comes to getting lost in the time, it’s all about finding what brings joy for YOU. I know that I’m an introvert who likes their alone time. I CAN socialize and I CAN be extroverted, but I prefer to just hang out. When I have my moments of being extraverted, people know to enjoy this while it lasts. Because once that social battery runs out, I’m going to recharge by myself!
Know you’re not a hamster on wheels
I notice that whenever I’m looking at the clock and not having the greatest time, it’s because I’m rushing so I can be at home or make it to the place I want to go. Yes, I always get to my destination at the time that I desire. But I also realize that I barely had any fun because I was too busy rushing myself to get there! So, I’ve started a no-rushing rule.
If I’m feeling antsy and start rushing myself, I tell myself that we are safe to take our own time. I tell myself that we deserve this time to ourselves to enjoy these little moments. Those moments could be as little as getting a smoothie for myself or going to the mall to buy myself something I’ve been eyeing for a while. I also tell myself that rushing doesn’t do anything but make me feel more worked up!
My mom has this saying that I love using: If the place gets up and leaves because I’m running late, then it was just meant to be. It’s a funny saying, but it sticks! Sometimes, when I’m rushing, I question myself. Why am I rushing myself? I know that I’m going to make it there regardless. But, I do understand why there may be a rush: you’re running late, you want to avoid traffic, you want to go home, very understandable reasons!
However, for me, I tell myself that rushing doesn’t help anyone. I notice that whenever I stop rushing, everything starts going MUCH smoother for me. I also have another mindset that I apply: if I’m late, it’s for a reason! This delay is for a reason and who am I to say that this delay is a curse rather than a blessing. Now, this just may be me, you let me know. But when I apply that mindset, it makes getting to my destination so much easier.
I’m not getting mad when the light turns red RIGHT when I get there. I’m not getting THAT much annoyed when a slow driver decides to get in the left hand lane. I just shrug my shoulders, go around them if there’s an opportunity, and keep moving forward.
We sometimes get so wrapped up in our lives, work, kids, spouses, in-laws, just life. We forget that enjoying life also means that you take a moment and look at the wondrous things that are occurring. When you run and rush everything, how can you say that you enjoyed it? It only lasted 15 seconds! Being able to make things opportunities rather than chores can make so many more things become more enjoyable. Trust me!
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