Since starting my Everyday Moments journey, I have noticed a presence in myself; a presence of being present. It may seem simple, right? But I realise how I was kind of floating around and not noticing the little things.
I was in the office of a mentor of mine only yesterday and I commented on his new office chair and painting. “No, that has been there for about a year,” he told me. “Really?”, I said.
It was then that he told me that you have noticed it now because “you are more present”. His words. I seriously thought that these were new office items, and yet, I just simply had not noticed it.
So here are my strategies that I feel has changed in the last little while:
have time to yourself
It does not have to be much, and it certainly does not have to be for long, but the time to yourself is the time to stop, breath and reflect.
Lately, I have been exercising more, almost every day in some shape or form. Even taking the little guy in the pram, for a brisk morning walk, I am exercising. I feel rejuvenated, a little more alive and pumped to tackle my day.
But if exercise is not your thing, what else could you do for yourself?
set yourself a challenge
Maybe it is drinking more water each day or cutting back on those chocolate biscuits? A challenge gives you a little more motivation and determination to do something a little different.
put your i-devices down
i-phone, i-pad, computer and all things related, they distract you. When I put mine down or even randomly leave it at home when I go out, there is an instant presence and ‘being in the moment’. You kind of don’t worry about emails, social media, connections; it is just you and your family.
spend a day doing nothing
A friend just told me “Sunday morning, 9:45am, in bed with my kids. Bliss.” A moment there, relaxing, chilling together and having fun. Although she did ‘tweet’ this and update her Facebook status, but still.
notice the little things
Moments are all around you. It does not have to big or extravagant. It could be smile of achievement for baking a cake, a drawing made, an achievement accomplished? Just notice it and enjoy it.
My journey to being present and noticing is a journey of self-nourishment. I have realised that nourishing myself is, in fact, nourishing my whole family. And although my priorities have certainly changed over the years and the need for retail therapy, for example, is not up there on the priority list, it is simple and practical things that make a difference. My mind can sometimes be a little foggy and cloudy, and I honestly believe that there are moments I miss; a common and normal experience as a mother.
Just remember, there is a piece of love, anywhere, anytime. Just notice it.
Come share your Everyday Moments below. Use hashtag #tpfmoments. x
