Take It All In

With college around the corner I have been putting all my energy towards taking things in and being present. I am trying to notice the little joys that light me up and that I may not get to experience at all or as much once I leave. 

  I think sometimes we have plenty of things that bring us joy, but we don’t focus our energy on them and we breeze over what we should be taking to heart. For example, I recently noticed how much I love sitting on the couch after dinner with my dad. Even if we aren’t talking, it’s nice to have his presence with sports going on in the background and me chilling on the couch scrolling on my phone.

I have posted blogs about small ways to “Ellavate” you life, but now you have to take note of them and focus on them. I like to compare this to mind to muscle connection. In working out, it is important to be focusing on the body part you are working on. In life, it is important to focus on whatever you are doing so that it can bring you joy instead of just fill space. Put energy into being fulfilled and the smaller joys will turn greater and greater. 

We also tend to start dreading things that become monotonous, but maybe we can turn the routine into enjoyment. Think of it as meditative rather than boring. I keep dreading getting to school. Strangely, it isn’t about going to school it is just about getting there. It feels like so much effort, even though it isn’t. Instead of being annoyed with getting dressed, getting in the car, walking to class, I have made this my “me” time. This is my time to just breathe and collect myself before the day truly begins. 

I have also been trying to use a version of this tactic to help with my test anxiety. I know this is going to sound a little crazy, but bear with me. Instead of worrying about my test throughout every period of the day, I focus on what is happening in that moment. If nothing is happening, then I find something to do and to take my mind to the here and now. I think of tests as a way to show all that I know. I have studied super hard and now I’m about to go show it. It’s like any sport. For instance cross country. You train super hard to improve your time and then when the race comes it is your time to show it.

Stop the autopilot and look around. It is crazy what you can see and enjoy when you start paying attention. Be bored for a minute. Take out your AirPods and listen to the sounds of life. The bustle of people in the hallways, horns honking, birds chirping. 

Whether you are a senior or not, it is important to live in the now and also like the things you are spending your time doing. Not only do you want to look back on your life and love it, but you want to love your life now. We all know life is full of ups and downs and we have to release control of the uncontrollable, however there are things we can control like what we spend our free time doing and what we are doing to become the person we want to be. Remember that you have the power to make your life what it is. If you don’t like it, change it. 

Taking things in allows you to have a moment of appreciation and time to be proud.