Every once in a while it is good to sit and reflect on the good things in your life. I’ve had a lot of these moments the past couple of weeks. There are times where it can feel like everything is going bad. The car breaks down, the kids get kicked out of school, something seems to be wrong with the washer/dryer. It can make you feel like the old saying “when it rains, it pours.” We don’t have to let the bad times consume us. There is always a silver lining. It is up to us on finding it and holding on to it until we get through the storm.
As you guys know I recently had an employment change to where I’m now able to work in a field that is in my degree. One day last week I was sitting with my wife after we had put the kids to bed and she had this look on her face. Of course I asked what she was thinking about. What she said was what prompted my inspiration for today’s post. Her answer was that when I got home from work the kids were outside and they ran up to me when I pulled in the driveway and just gave me the biggest hug. It was a real out of the movies type of thing. I didn’t really think anything about it at the time. My wife stood back and watched this whole thing and it was a real moment for her.
With all that being said, it got me to thinking about how many moments that we may be letting pass us by. My situation was that I was working a night shift and missing time with my family. Yours may be similar or something different. Either way, we don’t want to miss the moments that make life special.
How do we take advantage or make sure that we don’t lose those moments.
1. Time away from technology.
I know, I know. The guy posting this blog is talking about taking time away from technology. Just hear me out, there is so much research out there and it is all telling us the same thing. We need to have time away from out laptops, cell phones, tablets and everything that comes with those. So instead of scrolling through Facebook looking at memories, make some memories with your family.
2. Clear your schedule.
Many of us are working 50 to 70hrs a week. We need to have some time away. So have a clear schedule. Clear as in boundaries. Don’t be on your laptop finishing a work assignment when your supposed to be having dinner with family and friends.
3. Schedule a vacation.
Vacation doesn’t mean that you have to spend thousands of dollars. Take the day off, drive an hour or two in any direction and see what different cities have to offer. Being able to get out of your own town can help you feel refreshed and energized. Take advantage of what you have that’s close by.
I’d love to hear what do you do to stay in the moment?