This summer I had a revelation. Maybe it's my own internal phase, or maybe the phenomenon became too intense to ignore it, but all of a sudden I noticed more and more people spending their entire summer waiting for a two-week vacation(or in some cases just one week). And then that time came, and went like water and they returned to their lives, some of them in debt, many waiting for the weekend and most of them looking for the next holiday to squeeze in every source of pleasure there is. Why? Because they return to a routine that drains them. Physically and mentally. And I don’t mean to point fingers. I’ve been that person. But if there's one thing I’m certain of, is that this is no way to live.
September: The Perfect Time for a Fresh Start
Personally I've always experienced September as the start of the year. It’s my birthday month but mainly it was and still is the restart of my everyday routines with a fresh mood. It is a month that carries within it changes and transitions and invites you to align with this energy and start something new for yourself. So for this year, how about deciding to create a life you don't need to escape from? Here are 7 ways to do just that.
Find a Hobby—Just for Fun
Find something whose sole purpose will be to give you joy. The meaning of a hobby is purely enjoyment. It is to indulge in something simply for pleasure without aiming to become or do anything with it. Whether it is painting, dancing, calligraphy, wood carving, ceramics, knitting, bird watching, diving or anything else you can imagine this is your time. Your playtime as an adult. And we need that time. Oh! and if exercise is not done exclusively for fun, it doesn't count!
Quality Over Quantity in Relationships
The secret ingredient to happiness? Meaningful connections. Studies show that strong relationships lead to a fulfilled life. Ask yourself, do you have people in your life that you feel comfortable calling at 3 am? Do you have people in your life with whom you feel safe to be 100% your messy, imperfect self with? Someone to whom you don't have to "appear" a certain way, with whom you can share your hard truths and who will not pamper your ego but will hold you accountable to your bullshit? This is your tribe, see how good you feel when you are around them. If you ask me, it's better to have 3 of these people than 10 or 20 superficial contacts. So yes, aim for quality over quantity and make spending time with them a priority.
Master the art of Detachment
So much time is wasted replaying in our minds relationships, jobs and situations that didn't work out the way we planned or wanted. Instead of clinging to what didn’t work out, learn the lesson and move on. Closed doors? They’re just making room for better opportunities. Trust in the process.
Set Some Goals
If you just float through life, you will end up where the current takes you. So what do you want? Start with your personal and professional life. If your answer is "I don't know", pause and think. Be clear about what you want - otherwise, don't be surprised if you find yourself somewhere by accident and especially if you don't feel good in it. Don't be surprised if you live a meaningless everyday life.
Don't Take Anything Personally
Most of the time how people treat you is a reflection of their own inner world and has less to do with you and more to do with their own issues. Explore the cases of the people you really care about, ignore the rest. Protect your mental peace by learning to separate yourself from other people's baggage. You do you!
Simplify your life
Too much clutter—physical or emotional—will weigh you down. Get rid of the excess in your daily life and focus on what really adds value. The simpler life is, the more room it has for joy and ease.
Choose Joy & Pleasure Every Day
Now this is a little personal, but pleasure is the word I've chosen as my mantra for the coming year. And it's weird because until now I've been choosing words like growth, healing, adventure, love, success.. you get the idea. But as I grow older I realize that the one thing we shouldn't put off is joy and yes, pleasure. In fact I believe we need more of both in our lives. And no, it doesn't have to be a destination or a goal (like I'll be happy when I achieve so-and-so), but an integral part of the journey whatever the journey is. I think many of us have been taught that we have to work hard to achieve our goals and that the things that are worthwhile are difficult. But in all honesty I can now tell you that I believe that this is not true, it is not even right or a way worth living. Yes, work towards your goals, but always remember that the ultimate goal is to live, not just exist! Joy and pleasure are essential components of a beautiful life and a daily life with meaning and value. Don't let the days go by without something that gives you pleasure. You will never regret a happy moment in your life or something you really enjoyed. Keep that.