Here it is, June 24th, 2018 at 6:23 in the evening. Earlier this month, I visited Colombia for a couple of days and the trip was a needed break from my daily space. Being in Colombia allowed me to slow down and show gratitude to the simpler things in life that I tend to forget exist. The aesthetics of raw and untouched nature, the beauty of meeting strangers without hidden intentions, and the warm smiles that come from a genuine place. I was free.
Free from “adulting.”
Free from thoughts of the future and past.
Free to be in the present.
Colombia reminded me that peace starts with gratitude. I tend to focus more on the things I think I need (want) instead of what I have now and forget that sometimes what I have now was once what I wanted for myself. It is important to grow and avoid “settling” or complacency; however, it’s more important to acknowledge the beauty of the present while in the moment. Being in the present looks different for everyone. It can be as simple as going on a walk through the park with a notebook and pen or detaching from your phone while spending time with friends. Focusing my full awareness and energy on the now and having gratitude for the now is being in the present. I’m learning to live in the present more these days. Being in the present and living in the present are two different concepts to me. Being in the present is temporary while living in the present is a lifestyle commitment to intentionally be present through all aspects of life.
When I returned to the states, I was more intentional about living in the present. Unfortunately, I was coerced back into the fast-paced mindset of always being in a rush.
A rush to complete task.
A rush to heal.
A rush to learn.
A rush to grow.
A rush to reach my destination.
But that’s not how life works for me and the universe has a great way of reminding me of that.
A couple weeks ago, I was quickly reminded that the act of being in a rush can be harmful. I was on my way to work when I realized I left my phone at home. Without hesitation, I turned my car around and went back to get my phone. The journey to retrieve my phone was unpleasant: it was raining and when it rains—people drive cautious (scary). Due to all the cautious driving, there was unnecessary traffic plus, my sense of time was off without my phone. Those factors created intense anxiety and frustration for me because I knew the chances of me reaching my destination at the planned time was low. Finally, I made it home to retrieve my phone and was back on the road with determination to make up for all the lost time with my assertive driving skills (whip game). As I turned unto the interstate, I lost control of my car and started to hydroplane. Luckily, I gained control of my car right before the lane merged unto the interstate. It was perfect timing and at that moment I knew it was time for me to slow down.
I am a firm believer that all experiences serve a purpose; however, I believe attempting to connect the dots between EVERY single experience can cause unnecessary stress. Trust I know. I’ve learned to embrace the mystery of synchronicity and focus on being conscious and open.
What did you learn from this experience? *yells person sitting in the back*
Well, I’m glad you asked.
Learn how to arrive at your destination safely while traveling through stormy conditions. It’s slippery out here. Have patience and slow down in stormy conditions. Don’t harm yourself getting to only one destination when there are more destinations on your journey. Slowing down allows you to learn in real time and become aware of your environments.
Don’t burn yourself out by rushing through your storms. All storms are temporary--regardless of how long they may last. Some storms are inevitable but your journey continues beyond the storms. Take your time.
It’s in our storms when we have the capacity to elevate the most. Persevere through your storms in your most vulnerable form to build strength. I attempted to rush through my recent storm because I wanted to see the sunshine at the end of my storm. In my mind, the storm was hindering me from elevating but I soon realized I was the sunshine --elevating through my storm. We tend to have this unrealistic idea of what it looks like to elevate and forget to look in the mirror and appreciate our sunlight.
The voice of reasoning when in doubt is always right. Trust the guidance.
Keep your eyes on the road. Don’t get distracted by the type of car people are driving, where they’re going, or why they’re going in a certain direction. It hinders your focus and drains your energy and time. Invest in yourself wisely.
Learn your pace and direction, use your signals, and be mindful of others while traveling on your journey. Make sure that you don’t harm others to get to your destination faster and don’t intentionally slow down others on their journey. Sometimes we’re not ready to go the same pace as others and sometimes we’re seeking directions because we do not know where we’re going. It is ok but it is important to use your signals and act accordingly.
To be free is to go at your own pace. Don’t rush to heal, learn, or grow. Give yourself enough time to reach your destination safely. Plan accordingly and always hold yourself accountable for your journey. Remember to appreciate your sunlight. Enjoy the simple things that are happening in your life and live in the present. There is so much more happening here--right now. Don’t miss it!
And yes, it is still #ALLGREENEVERYTHING2018. Continue to AGE.