Sometimes life is like a massive rollercoaster. How does a citizen navigate through the messy parts of life? With landscapes that often call for action, here are 10 tips I came up with (with a little help from beauty and the beast).
1. Dust off your walking shoes
Yes, take up walking. Make observations of your habits and reactions to everyday things as you walk. Who do you interact with and what new things do you notice? Surveying surroundings as you walk will help you keep in step with life.
2. Mountain vs. the molehill. Do not waste time making a mountain out of a molehill (this one is for me too). The molehill may be where the infamous army of ants
Perspective is key!
Do not waste time making a mountain out of a molehill (this one is for me too). The molehill may be where the infamous army of ants strategise however, never forget that the mountain is where you behold the breathtaking beauty – from the top.
3. Know your rights (sphere of influence)
There is something about knowing what kind of privileges that you have as a citizen. After all, you cannot steer the path efficiently if you don’t know the powers that have been bestowed upon you. Remind yourself of the platforms that you have within your natural reach; some have a radio station while others have an Instagram. Whatever platform you have, use it for good and to empower those around you.
4. Engage, engage, engage
Be present. Remember your presence (when well developed) is a gift to your circle and the community around you. Engaging in the process of life is one that takes patience, a whole heap of trust and guts. Fight the urge to fall back into a passive rut.
5. Drop your baggage
However long your journey on this planet we call earth, learn to drop the unnecessary baggage that comes with the seconds, days and hours of travelling. Learn to travel with the necessities and focus on enjoying the journey.
6. Whistle a tune
I don’t know about you, but I love a good sing-a-long. Listen to the music all around you. From the snores in comfy beds, the traffic on a busy day, the tweets of the birds, the clicks on a mobile. What do you hear? Do you hear the creaks of a bed or do you hear the bells of freedom sleepy toes?
7. “Be our guest…”
Wait for it…okay, so I’ve come to a point in the blog where I have to share my thoughts on beauty and the beast. The song sung by Lumiere and the other servants has the words, “Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test…” This song reminds me of the opportunities that often quietly await our attention. Life has a way of offering its services to help mature us into the ideal citizen. The question is though…do you see them?
8. Triple ‘D’ on life - Decide, Divide, Deactivate.
I call it triple ‘D,’ it is something that I have been doing since childhood. Firstly, choose a sweet spot, this can be anything from reading a book, discovering a new place or just doing something you really love. The principle is this: decide to do something, make a clear division between the unchangeable and changeable things. Finally, make the active choice to deactivate, turn off your devices, having a relaxing bath, walk or simply rest. It is paramount that you recharge. Go on, Triple ‘D’.
9. Ask for help when you need it
There is absolutely no shame in asking for a helping hand. We all need it every now and again; we need one another.
10. Embrace the seasons
Nature never ceases to fascinate. If there is one thing that it can show us, it’s that change is continually around the corner; you better be ready for it!
Don’t be afraid to watch blank canvases become the places of spring and eventually invite the summer. The changing seasons are beautiful. Whilst you’re at it stop looking for dead things, leave behind the old and go with change. Dead things have no say or no power of over living things. They are ghosts wishing to mock those that live.Go ahead and embrace the seasons, go ahead and find beauty in the details of life…even when the storms threaten to crash hope.
Go ahead and embrace the seasons, go ahead and find beauty in the details of life…even when the storms threaten to crash hope.
