The worst thing about routines is they could get boring real fast.
I love’em because they kept me going during my toughest times. But they’re not for everyone.
Doing the same thing over and over, every day of the week, no questions nor complaints could suck the life out of you.
That’s what happened to me. I wasn’t even aware of what day is it!
I was like a robot, but dumber.
Good thing that like in any relationship, you can resurrect it with spark and awe.
So today I want to give you a quick-fire tip to put the wonder back to your everyday:
Notice the simple moments.
Yes, it sounds zen-like and monk-like, but trust me, it doesn’t require you to be the Buddha to do it.
Here’s where I start.
Set up reminders to check in with myself and observe what’s going on around me.
What kind of reminders? Up to you.
1. You can have it written.
Words like “NOTICE LIFE” could be on your lock screen, your social media handles, or you could tattoo it on your forearms.
That’s better than this:
And once you read it, pause and notice life.
2. You can also set up cues.
When you caught yourself browsing your phone for 2 straight hours even when you said you’d only do it for 5 mins, that’s your reminder. It’s time to notice life.
Or just literally set random alarms everyday just to pause and then notice life.
The key is you have to put your intentions into it. Nobody wants to feel like a dumb robot.
But here’s the thing.
I’ve been blabbering about “noticing life” but how do you really notice life’s simple moments?
Ask yourself questions like these:
-What's new or relaxing or amazing at this very moment?
-What's something that makes me feel good right now?
-What do I feel when I do this task?
Don’t just get through it, observe the moment for real. There could be a spark and something awesome that’s (been) happening around.
There’s gotta be.
Because life is meant to be lived, to be experienced—Even for just 5 mins.
Now when every day feels the same, when they blend together…
When there’s nothing you find relaxing or amazing or you don’t know what you feel…
Step outside the door.
Take a damn walk and find the wonder
No work, no phone. Just you, your feet, under the sky.
You might bring a sense of awe to each person you encounter, the dog crossing the street or the new mural at the corner.
You’d be surprised by the things you haven’t seen for a while.
Because life changes every second, notice.
Talk to you soon,
Johnrille “notice life” Manalo
P.S. If you liked reading this, check out my other stuff!
Good advice lalo na pag feeling mo sobrang haba na ng January. hehe