“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.”
– Andy Warhol
A couple of weeks ago, I walked my kids to school. It was their last day in Grade 2. As we were walking to school, a couple of thoughts went through my head.
The first thought concerned my childhood memories of the last day of school and the excitement surrounding the upcoming summer holidays. It was always fun to go to school on the last day, knowing there would be two months of swimming, playing soccer, riding my bike, and no homework.
The other thought that crossed my mind as I walked my kids to school was the experience of time passing by so quickly.
For example, as I walked my kids to school on that hot day in late June, I suddenly had a flashback to those winter mornings just a few months earlier. We made that same walk wearing knit caps, gloves, boots, and heavy winter coats. But on this day, we wore T-shirts, shorts, and sandals.
What struck me was how those cold February mornings seemed like they had just happened yesterday, yet they had happened several months ago.
It was a stark reminder of how quickly time passes by and how our moods and outlook on life can change from day to day, week to week, and season to season.
Balance in Life and Savouring Special Moments
These two thoughts—enjoying the warm summer months and trying to slow down the passage of time—led me to consider a few things for this post.
1. Stick with the Simple Things.
You don’t need expensive vacations or getaways to feel like you’re on holiday. Think of the simple things that make you feel rested and relaxed.
2. Change Your Environment.
Whether driving for an hour outside of town or walking to a park in a different neighbourhood, changing your surroundings can make you appreciate the freedom of movement while allowing you to experience something new and feel grateful in the process.
3. Savour Daily Activities.
Take time to enjoy routine activities, such as eating, walking, or showering. Focus on the experience rather than rushing through them.
4. Let Go of Judgements.
Accept things as they are without labelling them as good or bad. This helps you to be more present and less caught up in your thoughts.
5. Limit Distractions.
One of the most significant changes I make on a day off is to shut off my cell phone and disconnect from electronic devices. Disconnecting from electronic devices makes me feel more present and appreciative of my surroundings. It helps to quiet my mind and allows me to relax and rejuvenate fully.
Time Doesn’t Wait for Us
As a young kid, a day could sometimes feel like a week. But today, a week feels like a day.
Time keeps moving forward; it doesn’t slow down.
But if you make an effort to slow down and stop occasionally, you’ll be able to appreciate the simpler things in life and reconnect with that excitement you felt as a young kid on the last day of school.
Do your best to recreate the feeling you got on “the last day of school” as often as possible. It’s good for your mental health.
Richard