Living in the day.
Living in the day.
I wonder how this last year has impacted you and your sense of wellbeing? Have you even thought about your own wellbeing?
By wellbeing I mean your ability to thrive, to be healthy and happy regardless of whatever life throws your way.
I’ve personally found myself regularly swaying from one extreme to another. At the beginning of the pandemic I enjoyed the breathing space lockdown afforded.
Margin.
No commuting, less rushing, less planning. Time to walk, time to think, time to rest.
Gradually this initial sense of positivity subtly spiralled downwards to one of endurance, survival and Zoom fatigue. Daily being present to life’s realities has not often been an enjoyable place to hang out over the past year. I noticed my conversations and thoughts started to focus more on the future, as there wasn't much of interest in the present, apart from talking about COVID which we all do pretty well but, let’s face it, all hate doing at the same time.
Slowly and without realising time has been wished away for a future that continually feels just out of reach.
I think we’ve all idealised something over these past months to get us through those dark days, but when hope is deferred to the next day and then the next it begins to wear thin.
I’ve been challenged recently by the words of a mentor...
“Live in the day. Measure in the decade.”
It made me wonder, if the pandemic remained like this for a decade and I continued to live vicariously in tomorrow, what in my life would be worth measuring?
As we cautiously emerge from lockdown number 3 and we reconnect with family, friends and more importantly pub gardens, let’s not neglect the now.
A couple of questions to ponder:
What does living well in the day look like for you at the moment?
What is getting in the way of you doing that?
How can you prioritise your wellbeing and stay connected to yourself?
I’m committing to practising a Happy Hour each day. Before you think it, no, this isn’t some illicit alcohol serving bar that I’ve set up from home. Practising Happy Hour is a commitment to create an hour each day that I can fill with whatever will enable me to thrive and feel well. It could be exercise, cooking, gaming, reading or just being still and away from screens. Guilt free time that is set aside to boost my wellbeing today rather than wishing for the good times to start tomorrow.
This is enabling me to stay anchored in the day, whilst hopefully creating a habit that will benefit me in the next decade.
As a qualified life coach, I regularly have conversations with people about their wellbeing and how they can move from surviving to thriving. Whether that be in their career, relationships, health, spiritual life or finances.
If you think you or someone else could benefit from some coaching get in touch and we can talk about what that could look like.
Cheers!
Matt