Recently, I've noticed I have a tendency to get caught up in the day to day tasks of life, my endless lists of things to do...the days pass so quickly, and when I look back I frequently wonder, what the heck did I do all day?? Sound familiar?
When I was thinking of my word for 2024 (yes, I realize it's almost MAY!), I spent some time reviewing my work for 2023 - "Onward." That was a perfect word for me for 2023. A lot of my favorite motivational sayings tie into "onward" like:
"Every little bit helps"
"Progress over perfection"
"Keep on keepin' on," etc.
As I gave it more thought, I realized that "Onward" and all those sayings are great, but they are really focused on surviving and not really thriving! So I thought, Yes! My word for 2024 will be Thrive!
Hmm, but no. Thrive is great, but it still wasn't quite the right word for what I was feeling. I wanted something to remind me that life is passing me by, and I want to live life to the fullest while I can! Maybe the word "Live" (as in "live" your life, not "live" bait for sale, LOL!)? Nope, still not quite right. 🤔
A month or so ago I came across this quote from Ferris Bueller:
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
A simple reminder that amidst the chaos, it's so important to pause, appreciate the present moment, and live life to the fullest!! And then in a yoga training I completed a few weeks ago, the instructor kept reminding us "don't miss it!" That's it!!
Don't miss it! A reminder to embrace life
I love this - a simple reminder to not only be present, but cherish and enjoy the day to day things in my life, to truly embrace life to the fullest! To not let the "to dos" take over, and be sure to PRIORITIZE some of the things that are really important to me. Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean skipping school or work like Ferris, unless it's Derby week and you're going to the track, ha!
Some things I am doing so I "don't miss it" are simple, little things:
Going for daily walks: fresh air, getting out of my space, time to just think!
Decluttering our house: yes, that counts! It makes my spaces more peaceful and has been on my list forever - so actually getting it done creates space for me to do other things!
Connecting with others: simple daily reach outs, traveling to see family, coffee/walks with friends
Doing things outside of my comfort zone: I can do hard things! It feels good, and the more I do things that are scary, the easier they are!
Scrolling less: ok, I'm working on this!!
⭐A big part of this is really PAYING ATTENTION! What do I really want to do, how does it feel for me, and what things really bring me joy??
What is something YOU can do today to make sure you "Don't Miss it!?"
Here are some more ideas:
Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude:
Start your day with a mindful morning routine: savor your first sip of coffee or tea, feel the warmth of the mug in your hands, and take a moment to appreciate the aroma.
Practice gratitude by keeping a daily journal to jot down three things you're thankful for, no matter how small they may seem.
Pay attention to your surroundings as you go about your day: notice the colors of the sky at sunrise or sunset, the sound of birds chirping, or the scent of freshly cut grass.
Savor Simple Pleasures and Embrace Spontaneity:
Treat yourself to a mini spa day at home: take a long, relaxing bath with your favorite bath bombs or bubbles, put on a face mask, and play some soothing music.
Indulge in your favorite comfort foods: whether it's a bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese, a slice of decadent chocolate cake, or a scoop of creamy ice cream, allow yourself to savor every bite.
Rediscover the joy of childhood hobbies or activities: fly a kite, build a sandcastle at the beach, or spend an afternoon blowing bubbles in the park.
Connect with Others and be Present:
Plan a technology-free day or evening with your loved ones: turn off your phones, tablets, and laptops, and spend quality time together playing board games, cooking a meal, or simply enjoying each other's company.
Have a picnic in your backyard or local park: pack a basket with your favorite snacks and sandwiches, a cozy blanket, and a good book, and spend a leisurely afternoon lounging in nature.
Reach out to a friend or family member you haven't spoken to in a while: schedule a phone call or video chat to catch up, share stories, and reminisce about old times.
Embrace Creativity and Exploration:
Take up a new hobby or creative pursuit: whether it's painting, gardening, photography, or playing a musical instrument, allow yourself to explore your interests and express your creativity.
Go on a spontaneous adventure: take a drive to a nearby town you've never visited, explore a local museum or art gallery, or simply wander aimlessly and see where the day takes you.
Look for beauty in unexpected places: take a closer look at the intricate patterns of a spider's web, the vibrant colors of graffiti art on a city street, or the delicate petals of a wildflower growing by the roadside.
⭐I'd love to hear your ideas and what you think about this! Shoot me an email, or comment with your ideas!!
Remember to stop and look around every once and a while. Each moment is a gift, and the little things are often the big things — don't let them pass you by! Live your best life, friends!
Don't Miss It! 🌞
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