Routines Lead To Dreams

Last time we spoke on here, I talked about the importance of filling your time with worthwhile things. Using this pandemic shutdown as a catalyst to catch up on the many things we've fallen behind on (family, housework, art, self-care) is good for not only our sense of productivity, but our personal health. Now we've gotten the news that some establishments are shutting down again, as the cases spike. It seems we may even be reverting back to a "yellow phase" of sorts. It's deflating, and it can throw us off of our game-plan. But routines lead to dreams.

What do I mean when I say "routines lead to dreams"? I mean the things we do every day, the ins and the outs of the grunt work, prepare us to have the lives we've always wanted. It's the work we do today that gets us ready for tomorrow. It would be so easy to feel defeated right now and just lay on the couch in a pit of self-pity. And from time to time, that's okay. We need days like that to recharge. But we also need to refocus. Life is all about finding the blessings inside the stressing.

So go for a walk, even if it's around the block or at the park down the street. Be out in the fresh air and get your blood flowing. That has a way of providing a sense of clarity and peace. Lay on your bed and think. But not about the things you did wrong in third grade, or about what you're ordering for takeout tonight. Think about the people in your life that love you, and the things that you've done that you should be proud of. Having alone time in the stillness really gives our bodies rest and resets our minds. 

Avoid your phone. I say this one out of experience. Not only is the constant need to scroll and fill notifications harmful to your posture, but it's stressful and gives in to the comparison sin. It's a time-waster that does nothing but begat jealousy and gossip. If you feel a need for companionship, make a phone call or do a Skype/Zoom chat to see a loved one. Don't allow this social setback to revert you back to harmful habits. Do the things that make you feel fulfilled and joyous. 

Getting into a daily routine will give you added reasons to get up in the morning. You'll be passing the time while feeling better, both physically and mentally. Make friends with your art again and reconnect with those that you've missed lately. Set aside time to cook and read and plant and explore. Get a calendar or a planner and start filling it in. The world will heal, just like you're healing every day. If you continue to set daily goals, it lays the foundation for a productive re-entry into society. You will come out of this better and more well-rounded, if you allow yourself to. Routines lead to dreams.  

The World Is On Fire, What Do We Do?

Hello, my friends and Valued Readers. It's safe to say that a lot of us are experiencing more turmoil and country-wide divide this week than we have in our lifetimes. Innocent people are being killed. Protests and riots are sweeping the country. The President is close to declaring martial law. Social media is a nasty place, full of threats and opinions. And all of this is happening while Covid-19 is still infecting people. I'm sure these things have sent a lot of us into a dark inward spiral of anxiety and emotions. We are overwhelmed with sad news and information, and there seems to be no escape or end in sight. So how do we cope? What do we do next?

First off, this blog is not going to encompass personal opinions. My self-help writings aren't meant for politics, race relations, or a platform to pick sides. I'm here to help people channel their feelings and push through their tough times. So let's take a quick look at how we can feel better and make a difference. Turning off social media to decompress is important. It's important any time, but especially when it's breeding so much negativity into your life. You're not running away from the problems, you're simply recharging yourself and getting your head into a more relaxed space. So for a few days, replace your normal social media time with naps, showers, reading, housework, TV, or whatever will decompress your mind and body. Focus on you and how you feel, and engage in more beneficial conversations for your mental well being. Don't allow anyone to force you into conversations that can harm your health.

Donate. Some people like to join the protests and rallies. If that's for you, then by all means, do it. But if you're physically or mentally unable to be in the middle of those crowds, there are other ways to help. Maybe you're really into a particular cause and you want to give money to a certain business/organization. Do your research to make sure your time/money is going directly to the source, and give what you can. This is an instant way to help being part of the solution and helping people, without having to engage your world in potentially harmful things.

Vote. No matter what side of the fence you fall on, there's a good chance that you're likely discontent with how things are going in the world right now. Again, spend some time researching the issues that you care about so that you can pick the candidate who best supports your platform. We are very blessed to live in a "free country", so our only civic duty is to pick our leaders. We have primaries coming up, as well as the final election in November. This is the most effective way to have your voice heard and to work toward a positive change. Every vote matters. Don't believe the outdated rhetoric that "every politician is crooked" or "your vote is useless because your candidate lost". If we don't have a hand in picking our leaders, we have no right to complain over how they lead. Don't lose your voice.

Through these things, you will not only feel more rested mentally, but you'll feel more accomplished for having done your part to help the things you love. You'll have made an effort to put yourself at peace, and then made an effort to bring some positive change into not only your life, but the lives of those around you. I hope you're staying safe. Love yourselves, and each other.

-Jason Burke