Today, we are all running and chasing one ultimate ‘thing’ that provides purpose and meaning to our lives. Some of us know what that thing is, and some of us do not. Everyone is running toward the same thing; just our paths are different. Some paths are wide and scenic, some are narrow, some are merely a path, some are straight, some are crooked, some are short, some are long, and some are easy, while others are difficult as hell. You know what I mean.
No matter what your path looks like, I will try my best to ease your journey as much as possible through my personal findings on life. If you feel empty, if nothing impresses you anymore, if you are frustrated all the time, if you are easily bored, if people say you’re grumpy, if you complain a lot, if you seem lost but pretend not to, and if only big achievements keep you going for a while and then you’re back to gray reality, this piece of writing is just for you.
By the end of this blog, I hope I will be able to soften those clenches in your mind and body a bit. It has taken me so many years to find what that thing was—that everyone is in search of. However, when I found that thing, I felt like a joke because the answer was in ‘me and myself’ all along. YES! You heard it right. It’s you, it’s me, it’s all of us finding ourselves. The answer is simple: ‘IT IS FINDING YOURSELF,’ yet it is the hardest thing we could ever achieve in this lifetime.
Okay, so now we know what we are searching for but do not know how to get there? Let me remind you, I’m here to help. I know there’s a possibility that my personal findings may not work for you or that you may have tried them before and they did not work. But let’s be positive and believe that they will eventually do their charm. So, let’s move on.
Feel Lively and Happy by Practicing:
Detach Yourself
The first step to discovering yourself is to detach from the environment that constantly surrounds you. You have to learn who you are without your circle of comfort. That environment might have shaped you, but you are not that environment. For instance, if you spend a lot of time at work, you can ask for a few days’ leave suitable to the schedule, or if you spend a lot of time with your friends, you could cancel plans and stay away from that group for a few days. By doing so, you’ll have some idea of the impact of that environment on you. If you feel a little lighter without your main surroundings, then one of your reasons for unhappiness could just be it; or if you feel otherwise, you can at least understand the specifics of what makes you happy.
Reflect Your Thoughts
Whenever you are full of emotions, either joy or sadness, you can dive deep into your thoughts and try to find out the reasons for feeling that way. Dig a little deeper into how you feel and what you think when you’re with people, when you’re alone, when you’re in uncomfortable situations, and when you’re in your happy, comfortable, safe space. This helps a lot to know about your thoughts and feelings, which ultimately will give you a clearer perspective on what you need and want in life.
Be Positive (as much as possible)
Try to be positive in uncomfortable situations and when you’re facing problems. This method has helped a lot of people overcome some severe situations. I know being positive all the time is an ideal thought and can be tiring. However, you can try meditation, yoga, or some physical exercises. Divert your mind to something that helps soothe you whenever unwanted negative thoughts are lining up, or you can keep yourself busy with activities that take your mind off things.
Do Things Frequently That Interest You
I understand if you are not clear about your interests; I have been in that place. Sometimes we don’t know ourselves at all. If you are well aware of your interests and hobbies, that is very nice—you can pursue those as often as possible. However, if you are unable to figure it out now, you can search the internet for things people do in their leisure time and see what resonates with you. Then you can carry on from there.
Relax and Enjoy The Present
We are living in a modern society and culture that is very fast-paced. Rather than enjoying today’s blessings in our lives, we tend to worry about tomorrow; if not tomorrow, then the day after tomorrow or the future. We are constantly thinking about the day that is yet to arrive and burning ourselves out by doing more work than needed. It is difficult not to think about the future amidst all this competition—very difficult—but next time you find yourself worrying too much about tomorrow, relax and enjoy what is happening around you for a while. ‘Feel the present like there is no tomorrow’.
Practice Gratitude
Today, everyone is complaining about something; it’s either bosses, colleagues, work itself, problems, family members, situations, or could be anything. We have forgotten how to be thankful for today’s new day, the delicious meals we are getting, having our loved ones with us, supportive friends, jobs that we could have died for, a healthy life, and almost everything we ever wanted when we were kids. So, why are we complaining? The next time you feel like you do not have enough, you need to see how so many other unfortunate people, unlike us, are dealing with and living life. This helps give you perspective on leading a satisfactory life.
Spend Quality Time with Your Loved Ones
When you are always busy not spending time with people who love you and whom you love, you miss out on the little things in life that add so much meaning. Spending quality time with your loved ones reminds you how much you’re loved and how much you love your people. This soothes not only your heart but your mind as well. Little things matter a great deal for being happy and for finding yourself.
Do Nothing
Sometimes, taking a break to do nothing also helps a lot to acknowledge your thoughts and reflect on life. I, myself, find practicing this method more often these days. Practicing to do nothing is a lot harder than it sounds, as we are constantly occupied by something, and if not, our mobile devices are always ready to pop up notifications. Yet, you must try to find yourself a quiet and empty space and practice it for at least 5 minutes to start, and go on from there after you’ve mastered it. See how you feel and what thoughts come to your mind while doing nothing.
Dive Into Nature
I see so many people these days preferring to go on vacations somewhere fancy and lavish rather than going on a short hike in nature. It is not at all bad that we have many options to enjoy now and that we have the ability to afford such places. However, sometimes you need to re-energize yourself in nature. I am not suggesting that you hike a difficult path to be in nature, but just be there (even by vehicle). When you’re surrounded by nature, take deep breaths, see how nature is changing and creating life. Nature fuels our energy and heals us with positivity.
Power of Minimal Technology Use
Today, we are surrounded by technology and bombarded with information. As a matter of fact, we have almost become the technology. So many gadgets and devices are always ready to distract our peace of mind. We can barely count the social media platforms and many other apps these days. These technologically advanced apps are constantly diverting our reality into reverie—some may have a positive impact on us, yet most are just taking up our time and pushing us far into a lifeless world. So, give yourself a break from social media and the internet. Be with people and surround yourself with life.
Help Others When You Can
Whenever you feel like you have the time and the ability to help someone in need, do it. If it is something that you could easily do, don’t think—just do it. I am not saying to help everyone in need every chance you get. When someone asks for your help, don’t give a ready-made answer of ‘NO.’ Think for a while. If the help does not harm anyone, including you and your time, feel free to say yes and help them. It feels good—so good. However, don’t go overboard with it, because sometimes saying no is okay if you don’t feel like it or you’re uncomfortable with it.
Conclusion
All the aforementioned practices have contributed so much toward finding myself and being content with my life. I have not been able to master all of it completely yet; however, I can feel the changes and positivity spreading around me. I really hope that you will be able to master these key steps to spread joy in and around you. These practices take time, but so do all the beautiful things in life. If you like this post, I am sure that you’ll love my previous post on living simply and being minimalistic. Remember, you can only become happy if you decide to.
Please feel free to share your thoughts on the topic in the comment section. Your insights on the topic could be very helpful for learning and growth. Subscribe to my newsletter if you’ve been enjoying my writing so far.
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