Let’s be honest: how often do you find yourself holding back?
How many times have you promised yourself that once you achieve that ideal level of fitness, wealth, or experience, you’ll finally pursue those dreams you’ve been postponing for years? Or perhaps it’s something simpler—those little excuses we make regarding self-care that we know are just hollow reasoning. For example, if you can dedicate half an hour a day to mindlessly scrolling through Facebook, then you certainly have time for a daily yoga session! 🙂
Amid countless choices, it can be challenging to know what actions to take (or avoid) to invite more joy and peace into our lives. That’s where the most enjoyable journaling exercise comes in—one that will take about 30 minutes, though if you get lost in thought like I often do, maybe brew a large pot of tea and join me back here in five minutes! 🙂
Put on your most comfortable outfit, grab a lovely journal, and find a cozy spot in your home or outside. Take a few moments to sit in silence and ponder this essential question…
“If money and time were unlimited, how would I spend my day?”
Now, let’s sketch out your ideal day on paper. Often, we get preoccupied with grand events and aspirations, like landing a promotion, taking a six-month sabbatical, or finding a lifelong partner, and in doing so, we focus too much on the future instead of recognizing that true happiness and joy lie in the present moment. By envisioning a simple day, we can appreciate the beauty found in everyday life, even in the ordinary tasks.
Here’s a glimpse of how in-depth I want you to go with this exercise…
7 AM – I wake up feeling energized and happy, with my wonderful partner by my side. He brings me tea in bed, and there are cats cuddled on my lap. There’s no rush, so I can enjoy a bit of reading or journaling before I roll out my mat for a yoga session.
Be detailed! Visualize yourself in these moments. How do you feel? Where are you? Are you surrounded by others, or are you content in your own company?
Don’t Worry About the ‘Hows’
This exercise is not about being reasonable or practical; it’s a chance to indulge in your desires! Write down whatever you feel would bring you happiness and satisfaction. Remember, there’s no restriction on time or money—allow yourself the freedom to dream big. We can sort out the logistics later.
Take a moment to pause. Grab that second cup of tea, then sit down to reflect on your ‘perfect day.’ What feelings arise as you read it? Visualize yourself moving seamlessly through your ideal day. Harness that excitement and energy to identify steps you can take to draw closer to this life. Let’s return to my 7 AM example.
Being in a long-distance relationship, I might not be able to wake up next to my partner every day, but I can ensure that when we are together, we dedicate time to enjoy our mornings and make them special (yes, he already brings me tea in bed—check!). Cats on my lap? Not yet, but there’s a cozy Cat Café nearby his place that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes cats. Sometimes we take our laptops there and work while being surrounded by these adorable cats that wander onto our laps, even spilling our coffee in the process!
So what’s the takeaway? You have the power to shape your own life. Stop postponing and start discovering how to live your dreams. Embrace creativity, think outside the box, and stop waiting for others or for ‘miracles’ to happen. Take control: wake up a bit earlier for a peaceful morning, treat yourself to a lovely scented candle, stock your fridge with nourishing foods, or find a local (ethical) cat café. But above all, make sure to carve out time for that yoga practice! 😉
