When I walk into my office at 8:30am, I set my bag down, hang up my coat, and turn on the kettle I keep under my desk. I pour myself a glass of water (from my enormous 2 liter water bottle) and put my lunch in the fridge. After, I take out my planner and, now that my water has finished boiling, I pour myself a cup of tea.
I watch the liquid slowly change from transparent to amber as the hot water hits the peppermint tea bag. When the scent hits my nostrils, I am suddenly transported to a place of peace and calm. I am ready to start my day.
I love this routine. I cherish this routine. This routine is my “Everyday.”
I used to rush into work, exhausted and frantic, upset and resentful that I wasn’t doing something more exciting. I spent hours steeped in comparison, but, by embracing this routine, embracing my “everyday,” I’ve gained a new perspective on what it means to embrace the “Everyday.”
The Everyday can be beautiful, if you make it. Here are some ways:
1- Practice Frequent Gratitude
We all have something to be grateful for. All of us. At every moment of every day, even when we feel like we don’t. Some days, it’s a simple as being grateful the sun rose again or being able to exhale fully. Gratitude, in all its forms, provides you with a grounding point. It gives you something to focus in on. When everyday starts blending together, gratitude forces you to stop and appreciate what’s right in front of you.
2- Have Intentional Moments of “Slow”
Have Intentional Moments of “Slow” – Stop and smell the rosesI’m a New Yorker, “slow” is not something that comes naturally to me. I have places to be, time is money, etc. You don’t need to stop and smell every rose, but make time to at least look at the flowers. Those intentional moments of slow make you remember why you’re doing something, the actual purpose of it.
These moments of slow help us recenter. It helps us find our locus point again.
So develop a morning routine, set the table when you are eating dinner, even if you are eating alone, and drink your water from a glass (if you are able.) You can move at your own pace.
3- Set Dedicated Me Time
We get up, throw on clothes, walk, run, drive, or fly to work or school or an appointment. By the time we hit the mattress, all we can manage to do is scroll on our phones because anything else would be too much of burden. You’re “Me time,” will look different from everyone else, but it is integral to our wellbeing.
It gives us something to look forward too AND nourishes us at the same time. Your life is something to celebrate, no matter what your circumstances look like.
Enjoy the ride, no matter how “mundane” it might seem.
There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.
– Master Oogway
With love,
Willene
This is beautiful 🥹