So recently whilst scrolling through Pinterest -as you do when you’re avoiding responsibilities- I came across some words that struck me:
“Focus on the good.”
Now besides being written in a totally gram-able font (shameless plug: follow my instagram here), this word art struck me as a reminder that there are more important things in life than having too many pimples or not enough likes on a picture. Besides the trivial things, I personally find it easy to dwell on the frustrating challenges that come with growing up. I know we are all in different stages of life right now, but no matter your age, income or gender, there is always another obstacle to be faced. Part of me is writing this as a way for myself to re-strategize my approach to complaint-worthy times. Perhaps that selfish motive means this post is already doomed. I’m not sure, but I hope we can all gain a little something from this one.
Remove yourself from that me-me-me world. Try to allow yourself one personal complaint per day. Spend all that extra time not in self pity to do something productive. Listen to others complaints. If you notice a person in your friend circle is seeming particularly frustrated, listen. And I mean really listen. Sometimes talking to a friend who needs a little release is the best way for me to get out of my own mind.
If you aren’t a talker, do a little exercise. Diverting your focus from the deadlines and people pleasing for an hour everyday can really help you channel that stress in a positive way. I’ve heard sprinting full force down the street is a great way to clear your head. . . people may judge you for that one if you live in a populated neighborhood. Just avoid baby strollers old people with canes, and you should be kept off the watch list.
Seize each day. Every single moment in this life matters. I find the easy route to involve my bed and mindless scrolling through online shops. I end up trying to distract myself from stressful tasks rather than actually using that time to make stuff happen. There simply aren’t enough moments to waste a day away in bed. That being said, I do love a good nap. . .so please, by all means take that mid-day break. TREAT YOSELF. Just remember to get back up and keep grinding.
Editor’s note: “grind” feels like such a 2012 word, so maybe replace that with your preferred motivational verb.
At the end of the day -or rather at the beginning of each morning- it’s up to you where you chose to focus your energy. And I’m not “together” enough to tell you that’s an easy choice. There are days when all I want to do is yell at every single stranger about how I hate standardized testing or despise having to clean my room. Let’s all be more conscious of what we are putting out into the world.
Let’s focus on the good.
XoXo, Zo
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