Center yourself.
Close your eyes.
Relax your body.
Breathe.
I have been home on spring break for the past week, enjoying time with family, being with my neighbors, and taking time to be with myself. It was refreshing, to be honest, but it led me to new realizations. The biggest realization is that we all need a break. It can be a break from work, school, people, or most importantly, yourself. It just might be harder to admit sometimes.
I think people tend to put on a different persona in front of people, convincing them that they are doing the best they have in a long time. You can smile as much as you can, but deep down, you can be frowning. It’s almost like we are trying to convince ourselves more than others. I want to tell you that the best thing you can do is be raw and honest, not only with others but with yourself. Set a boundary for yourself and take a pause. You do not have to always be the person with a fun personality, a positive outlook on life, or a clear mind. Because in reality that can drain you more than you realize. So, I am going to try to help you be honest with yourself and do a small reset for YOU.
I think the biggest confusion within ourselves, and being honest, is the difference between loneliness and contentment.
Loneliness is the constant seeking of connection with someone, whether a friend or a partner, but always failing. It is defeating and tiring, leaving someone lost. Contentment is being with yourself, feeling no need to be with another individual because you are calm. I, personally, get confused between feeling calm and feeling incomplete. I think I need to be in constant conversation with people on my phone, posting photos, or coexisting with someone in a room. Well, it’s what everyone else is doing, right? No. Do what you need. Center yourself. Reset your mind and your body. Do not do what other people are doing; trying to model your life to someone else’s is not the answer. As each person is uniquely made and in different stages of life. This process of learning to give yourself what you need and to be alone is not quick or immediate. I am still learning every day, but I know that I am getting closer to the best version of myself, by learning my mind and body. You can do the same.
This week, I tried to spend less time on my phone, something everyone should be doing, but most of all because I needed a break. I believe social media is a virus that infects individuals' minds. Instagram, I think, is the thief of joy, leading people into fits of comparison, doom-scrolling, and overthinking. The only answer and solution to those problems is to turn off your phone. Center yourself with people or activities that fulfill you and let you let your guard down, taking a deep breath. Again, you need to be doing what is right for you. Go outside and be with the sun. Talk to your family and connect with them. Be with yourself, as I always say, the only person you will have at the end of the day is yourself. Do what you think is going to benefit you in the best way possible.
Just do you.
What is something that you did recently for yourself? Did it make you feel comforted? Calm? What’s one thing you have been afraid to do for yourself?
