We have been given a gift. It’s wrapped up as a pandemic which, by definition means “prevalent over a whole country or the world.” This gift has quieted our surroundings, muffled our influences, taken away our over-abundant list of choices and options. We have all been too distracted for too long. So much so, that we are uncomfortable without a phone in our face, a show to watch or a person to complain to (or about). These distractions can be fine for a while, but we should all have the time now to reflect on ourselves. Who are you? What’s your WHY? Your WHY is your greater purpose for getting up every morning. Is it really to come in and collect a paycheck? Or is it to make a difference by serving people?I encourage you to get really good at reminding yourself to put down your phone or turn off your devices and spend sometime getting to understand yourself. You have a voice in your head. We all do. Get to know that voice. Be aware that it is not always right. It is usually afraid and tends to err on the side of caution. The better you can understand your purpose, then understand the voice that holds you back from that purpose, the more action you can take to accomplish your goals.Here’s what I do. I read FIRST THING every single morning. This gets my mind moving. Then I spend waaaaay too long in the shower just thinking (yes, I bathe too). I have solved more problems in my shower than I can remember. Depending on my level of stress, I will drive in to work with no radio. I’m finding this to be a prime time to reflect. I read again once I get in to the office (remember to read for 10 min when you come in; I’m paying for that time and I insist on it). Then I write my affirmations. The rest of my day is a chaotic mess and then I read for 20-30 min in bed before going to sleep. These are the times that I have found to reflect in my schedule. I’m not perfect about it and I’m still trying new things out, but it has been a real game changer for me.Once you get comfortable being alone with your thoughts you can start to:
- -get to know yourself better
- -overcome your fears
- -come up with solutions for hard problems
- -de-clutter your mind
- -find contentment/fulfillment (this is better than happiness)
If you can start to master your reflection, by the time this pandemic goes away and you are back to being pulled in a thousand directions at once, you will be better equipped to stop and take time to yourself. This is when you learn the skills you’ll need when they matter most.