How is it almost March? It feels like it was just the other day that we were ringing in the new year. As cliched as it may sound, time just flies. All the more reason to relish in the present moment as much as possible.
As the world continues to be blanketed by the cloud of constant war, grief, and heartache, we feel the pain and suffering of those living in the thick of the nightmare daily, as we see the barrage of heartbreaking images and videos on social media. It’s absolutely impossible for it to not get to you. If you’re already feeling mentally taxed in your life, this can only add to it – especially with the gnawing feeling of helplessness as innocent lives continue to be destroyed.
Case in point:
The other day I was parked on the street, idling for a few seconds when a woman started knocking on my door and trying to get in! Needless to say, I was startled. Did I hit something? Was she in some kind of trouble? What was going on? A couple seconds later, she comes to the passenger side and continues to knock and pry open the door! It took her at least 30 whole seconds to realize I was not her Uber driver!
In turns out, her Uber, in fact, pulled up behind me around a moment or two later. What floored me was how oblivious she seemingly was. If she’d taken a look at the license plate, she would have seen that it was entirely the wrong car she was trying to get into. Unfortunately, I did not get an apology for the crap getting scared out of me, but I think at that point, I was more relieved that it wasn’t anything more serious!
Sigh.
This all eludes to the fact that people have so much going on, at any given time, that it can really cloud their judgment.
A friend told me this harrowing story of how they were at home one day and out of the blue, they heard a light knock and then observed a lady proceeding to slowly open their door! Needless to say, this startled my friend and, of course, the lady once she quickly realized she was in the wrong place! It’s one thing to knock on the wrong door by accident, but to open and begin to enter – yikes! (My friend’s door was temporarily unlocked, and yes they learned their lesson!)
It turned out that the lady was going to her aunt’s place, who actually lived 8 floors up! Can you imagine? I was baffled by this: firstly, how did she make the mistake of getting off on my friend’s floor which was 8 floors down from where she had to be? Secondly, how could you not notice the very obvious incorrect number on the door? Anyway, the lady was very apologetic and embarrassed, but it also made for quite the story.
This all just shows are distracted we are at any given time. Taking time out for yourself is critical to mentally refresh and stay on track. Whether it’s 5 minutes or a few hours, whatever you can afford, you must prioritize it. Without that balance, you will always feel cloudy and unfocused which will perpetuate a negative, domino, effect of feeling unmotivated, unproductive and generally unhappy.
Also remind yourself, that “me” time is never you being selfish. Never feel guilty about putting yourself first. This is you taking care of you so that you can continue to be a light for others, so that you can refine yourself and be the best version of yourself that you have to offer others.
Below are some of my previous, related posts, in no particular order, for you to seek some guidance or inspiration from in knowing that you’re not alone.
Much love and blessings,
Sarah
What are some of your self-care tactics? Please feel free to share in the comments.
Sarah Warsi 