Scrolling through our morning news feed with our coffee has become the modern day version of what a classic mornings once were with coffee and a newspaper.
We lose ourselves momentarily for the pure enjoyment of reading, looking at photographs, and taking a moment to stimulate our mind in a form of escapism for that brief moment of the day where we can read, think, absorb, and feel.
Yes we do all of these things all day, every day but this morning ritual is different than the newspaper because the reports are from friends and other pages we follow instead of journalists.
Friends have become the influencer of how our mind is going to focus for that day and what we absorb is portrayed by our opinions and actions that follow.
I personally do not receive the paper anymore because I don’t have the time to read them. However, I do want to subscribe for the Sunday paper because it’s the one day of the week that is slower to start and I love the smell of newspapers. The scent memory takes me back to my childhood instantly.
I can’t watch news stations on TV because they’re full of doom and gloom. I do follow them online because then I can pick and choose the stories I wish to follow.
The focus on crime, sadness, and turmoil is too much for me to move past on a daily basis. But I know there’s a lot of love in the world, we just have to adjust our focus to it.
How does one do this? It’s actually quite simple …
We choose our surroundings, the people in our life, the things we read, the music we listen to, the news we watch, the literature we keep in our home, and every other human interaction with intention.
Intentionally choose your life because your life is important. Every single person you meet will be impacted by you in some way, shape, or form. You might as well make it intentional and create a positive memory because that one “thank you” to the person that held the door, that one conversation in passing, that one friend that called you after their bad day, that one relative that lost their way and needs a kind hand to hold, or any other human contact you have isn’t as passive as we’d like to think.
It’s all a part of a bigger picture that none of us know but we all can identify with the hope of understanding and compassion. We all crave it, whether we’re vulnerable enough to admit it or not, it’s the truth.
Take a moment today or one day this week and experiment with your life. Try taking one day and live it intentionally. Here’s a list I’ve created to help you out:
1) Look at everyone kindly and make eye contact whenever you say “thank you” to them. Observe how that passive statement is received. You can also observe how others don’t say anything and how that makes that person feel.
We’re all worthy of kindness. Give what you wish to receive ad watch that transformation take place in your life.
2) Look at your relationships. How do each of them effect you? Do you feel stronger and happier when you’re around each person? If not, change their place in priorities of your life.
Things change. People change. AND it’s okay for you to change your mind and life. Nothing is holding you back but yourself. You can be a different person than you were 5 minutes ago. Pick a new path and stick to it. Growth is an essential part of life.
3) Figure out your part of the puzzle by defining what your intentions and goals are. If you don’t know you, how will anyone else? If you don’t define yourself than others will.
Life is short and a rare gift not given to many. Define who you are by deciding WHAT you want to give to the world and HOW you want to impact it after you’re gone. When you’ve past you are just a story. Be a good one.
4) Zone out everything that isn’t a priority. Life will pull you every which way. Select three to five things that you want to do this month and every month for a year. After you define July, define August when it arrives. Setting goals in the season of your life will help you reach your yearly goals. Divide, focus, and conquer.
Goal evaluating, setting, and completing is a gratifying feeling. There’s nothing better than you showing yourself what’s up. Flex your mind and heart! You can do this!
5) Last but not least, evaluate your slice of the world. Is it toxic? Is it positive? Is it nurturing? How does it shape you?
Pay attention to what creates sadness, anger, resentments, and hate. Note them abd then fly like a bat out of hell and get away from the place, person, or media that brings it into your life. There’s nothing better than being self-aware and knowing when something no longer serves a positive purpose in your life.
Please note that none of this is negatuve of you to do. It’s a simple reflection and reprioritatization of where you want to be mentally and physically.
Your piece of the puzzle is directly and indirectly impacting others. When I had that self-realization I was able to start making healthy decisions that were best for me to allow me to be the best me for myself and others.
The puzzle of life may never be known but its beautiful when you take a step back and realize you’re impact completes the big picture.
Jennifer says
Bravo! Love this post… A wonderful plea for self awareness, conscious living and taking responsibility for your life and your impact in the world.
Bella says
Thank you so much! I’ve learned from the best … YOU.