Peaceful Personal Practices: Rekindling Your Childhood Spirit
Many say to not dwell on the past, but sometimes we need to remind ourselves of our child-like spirit and learn how to harness it. As we approach adulthood, we fall into a routine where we keep ourselves locked in one state of mind. We act like our wings should be clipped not spread. Everyone feels as if they can’t take a break to dream aimlessly and let themselves wonder in the unknown.
Most of us have a set career path, and we wish to only continue on this “path.” There should never be one defining the path for anyone. We always work towards our goals, but still understand that we could end up in a different career, relationship, or friendship tomorrow. Because of this uncertainty, we should always explore our other interests. Your interest in music, painting, photography, writing, filmmaking, etc. keeps your creativity intact because you are always creating something that is eccentric to your style and personality. In turn, this creative spirit will always be pushing you to challenge the norm in your work and personal life.
How can you keep this curious spirit in you as you grow older? Ask yourself why you are doing right now and what you hope to gain from it. If it isn’t helping you grow as an individual or bringing you joy every day, take a step back and change what you are doing. A very helpful practice to implement in your daily routine is to journal. Whether it is the first thing when you wake up or the first thing you do when you go to sleep, spend ten to fifteen minutes writing. You can write about a couple things you were grateful for that day or you can just write about a problem that has been bothering you that day. I think it is good to practice gratitude every day, but it is understandable that sometimes it is hard to find the positives after a rough day. Start small.
Write about one person or event you are grateful for. Then, ask yourself what this person has done for or how this event has affected you. You should then ask yourself how you can put out this same positive energy in the world. For example, if your friend has been trying to provide financial assistance, so you can achieve a lifelong dream of yours, thank them for this huge favor and find someone else in your life who needs help with a personal issue but is not actively seeking for help.
Writing has helped me explore a different side of myself by having a conversation with myself on paper. I have really been able to discover how I feel about certain issues occurring in the world and my life. And sometimes when you don’t have direction with your writing, you can find yourself in a place of comfort and peace.