After writing about my 30-life crisis last week, I have been a bit up and down. {Thank you all for your comments by the way, I’m slowly replying to them.} I think my problem in not being able to figure out my life and not being able to find my way lies in one thing: being way too busy.
I cannot remember the last time my mind was quiet. I cannot remember the last time I just sat with my thoughts. I am always doing something. I am always busy. I guess I am being mindful when I exercise as I follow instructions and focus on the movements {and pain!} of my body and muscles. But that’s it.
I start my mornings by thinking about the day ahead. While driving, I am now listening to podcasts by the Writer’s Centre {which I’m loving} and consequently, thinking about how much I’d love to write for non-uni assignments. When at work, I’m focussed on clients and all that needs to be done. During lunch, I read. On the train to uni, I’m finishing readings or I’m on my phone on Facebook. Sometimes, I’m blogging. At home in the evenings, I’m busy cooking, spending time with Mr Imperfect, watching TV, blogging and working on assignments. I read a bit before bed and then I’m out like a light. Even on weekends, I read at the beach or am fitting in social activities or work. I do not spend any of these moments being mindful. I don’t spend any of it just sitting with my thoughts.
It’s scary.
I used to be someone who spent a lot of time with her thoughts. Sometimes, it wasn’t beneficial because I would overthink. But at other times, it helped me sort out my shit in a practical manner. Now my mind is all over the place. It results in me being all over the place. And possibly why I feel so lost and scattered.
So what can I do about it?
It’s a good reminder for me to go back and deliberately practice being mindful for at least 15 minutes a day. I need to quieten my busy mind. It’s also a reminder for me to write down what goes on in my head and start some practical problem-solving. I used to do that a lot previously. I also need to make the effort to declutter — not just my mind but my house. I think sometimes, my house and my desk at work are a good indication of how my mind is. Currently, they are both messy. I need to make goals for next year so that I can revive the satisfaction I used to feel in my job. I also need to make long-term goals to figure out what area of psychology I want to continue to develop in as well as what I want to do about my writing.
That in itself, should be a good start.
After that, I’ll go with where the universe takes me.
Do you feel all over the place when your mind is busy?
How do you quieten your mind?
Do share!
***Linking very late with Grace for FYBF and Mackenzie and Janine for Friday Reflections***
Until next time,
Cheers!!!
Leanne@crestingthehill
24 October 2015 at 12:59 pmIt’s taken me a long time to realize that it’s not good for me to have my mind going like a hamster on a wheel all the time. I am learning to let some stuff go, to stop worrying and planning so much and just to live day by day and face new stuff as it comes. I think we live in a world that encourages us to always try to be one step ahead – maybe it’s better for us all to slow down a little.
Leanne@crestingthehill recently posted…circuses, monkeys and a life motto
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:26 amI agree Leanna…I think it’s worse when you’re a worrier {which I am} to quieten your mind. That’s probably why we need to make a deliberate effort.
Leanne@crestingthehill
24 October 2015 at 12:59 pmIt’s taken me a long time to realize that it’s not good for me to have my mind going like a hamster on a wheel all the time. I am learning to let some stuff go, to stop worrying and planning so much and just to live day by day and face new stuff as it comes. I think we live in a world that encourages us to always try to be one step ahead – maybe it’s better for us all to slow down a little.
Leanne@crestingthehill recently posted…circuses, monkeys and a life motto
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:26 amI agree Leanna…I think it’s worse when you’re a worrier {which I am} to quieten your mind. That’s probably why we need to make a deliberate effort.
simple girl
24 October 2015 at 1:41 pmThose looks like great changes..
As for me, my mind is never quite and these days it is mostly negative thoughts that stay.. So I am trying to keep myself busy.
simple girl recently posted…10 things that made me happy ( week 4 )
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:28 amYou know what, SG.? I think that’s why I started to keep myself busy….because of all the worries. But I think that can be detrimental too. We need to learn to sit with our thoughts — positive and negative — and just let them come and go without getting hooked to them. I hope you feel better soon xx
simple girl
24 October 2015 at 1:41 pmThose looks like great changes..
As for me, my mind is never quite and these days it is mostly negative thoughts that stay.. So I am trying to keep myself busy.
simple girl recently posted…10 things that made me happy ( week 4 )
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:28 amYou know what, SG.? I think that’s why I started to keep myself busy….because of all the worries. But I think that can be detrimental too. We need to learn to sit with our thoughts — positive and negative — and just let them come and go without getting hooked to them. I hope you feel better soon xx
preethi shanbhag
24 October 2015 at 4:43 pmHi, I’m a psychiatrist, and somehow what you have written about really resonated with me. Probably some of us who are supposed to understand and deal with issues of the mind themselves have no one to turn to when confused!:) And mindfulness does help, but wish God gave us just those two extra hours a day, so we could really practice it!
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:29 amWelcome here Preethi! It’s ironic that us mental health professionals find it hard to make time for own mental health. But yes, I’d love those 2 extra hours.
preethi shanbhag
24 October 2015 at 4:43 pmHi, I’m a psychiatrist, and somehow what you have written about really resonated with me. Probably some of us who are supposed to understand and deal with issues of the mind themselves have no one to turn to when confused!:) And mindfulness does help, but wish God gave us just those two extra hours a day, so we could really practice it!
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:29 amWelcome here Preethi! It’s ironic that us mental health professionals find it hard to make time for own mental health. But yes, I’d love those 2 extra hours.
Mary
24 October 2015 at 6:04 pmI think life is just too busy these days for everyone. Perhaps it is all the incredible opportunities available to us with technological advances happening all the time that changes how we do things. It takes a lot of energy to keep up. I like your 15 minutes of quieting your mind. I’m going to try that!
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:41 amYep, I’m with you on technology. I think we need to deliberately switch it off and connect with ourselves
Mary
24 October 2015 at 6:04 pmI think life is just too busy these days for everyone. Perhaps it is all the incredible opportunities available to us with technological advances happening all the time that changes how we do things. It takes a lot of energy to keep up. I like your 15 minutes of quieting your mind. I’m going to try that!
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:41 amYep, I’m with you on technology. I think we need to deliberately switch it off and connect with ourselves
Aditi
25 October 2015 at 4:02 amLovely post Sanch! We do need those little pockets of stillness in our lives. Dancing always helped me to some extent but my mind is constantly on the run too. Spending 15 minutes in the morning with your coffee, your thoughts and your diary is a great way to start. I am trying to do that.
Aditi recently posted…#SaturdayWordplay 7 : Blatherskite
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:42 amI love that idea Aditi. I could do that with my second coffee as my first is rushed. My second is at work with no one around. I’m going to try that from Monday. Thanks ☺️
Aditi
25 October 2015 at 4:02 amLovely post Sanch! We do need those little pockets of stillness in our lives. Dancing always helped me to some extent but my mind is constantly on the run too. Spending 15 minutes in the morning with your coffee, your thoughts and your diary is a great way to start. I am trying to do that.
Aditi recently posted…#SaturdayWordplay 7 : Blatherskite
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:42 amI love that idea Aditi. I could do that with my second coffee as my first is rushed. My second is at work with no one around. I’m going to try that from Monday. Thanks ☺️
Paula
25 October 2015 at 4:04 amI went through something similar when I turned 30. I felt like I should already know what I wanted out of life and have it all figured out. I’m 36 now, and I do have a better idea about what I want in life. And I’ve learned that what we want can change a lot over time and that’s ok. It just means that we’re learning and growing.
Walking my dog is what I do to quiet my mind. It’s the only time I have when it’s just me, no phone, and no distractions. 🙂
Paula recently posted…Saturday Sharing – average sized girls, interviews, and more
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:44 amLife is so unpredictable isn’t it? I love that your walk with your dog is mindful. Thanks for visiting and welcome to this space!
Paula
25 October 2015 at 4:04 amI went through something similar when I turned 30. I felt like I should already know what I wanted out of life and have it all figured out. I’m 36 now, and I do have a better idea about what I want in life. And I’ve learned that what we want can change a lot over time and that’s ok. It just means that we’re learning and growing.
Walking my dog is what I do to quiet my mind. It’s the only time I have when it’s just me, no phone, and no distractions. 🙂
Paula recently posted…Saturday Sharing – average sized girls, interviews, and more
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:44 amLife is so unpredictable isn’t it? I love that your walk with your dog is mindful. Thanks for visiting and welcome to this space!
Vishal Bheeroo
25 October 2015 at 7:25 amYou won’t believe it. I am yet to figure out things for me and it was quite a challenging year with more not so bad than good. I resigned from the job and joined quite a drastic job to keep the money coming-a transition job, though. I am an over thinker and many times, unwanted things pop up. I am trying to deal with it and guess, it’s the subconscious thing. I am planning to write on a sheet of paper on short, medium and long term goals.
best and let’s go with the flow. Keep sailing and we shall reach the destination with renewed vigor.
Vishal Bheeroo recently posted…Guest post: ‘Jane Eyre – personality I admire’ by The Novemberschild
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:46 amI think writing goals helps. When things are in our head, they can be unclear. Hope your year gets better.
Vishal Bheeroo
25 October 2015 at 7:25 amYou won’t believe it. I am yet to figure out things for me and it was quite a challenging year with more not so bad than good. I resigned from the job and joined quite a drastic job to keep the money coming-a transition job, though. I am an over thinker and many times, unwanted things pop up. I am trying to deal with it and guess, it’s the subconscious thing. I am planning to write on a sheet of paper on short, medium and long term goals.
best and let’s go with the flow. Keep sailing and we shall reach the destination with renewed vigor.
Vishal Bheeroo recently posted…Guest post: ‘Jane Eyre – personality I admire’ by The Novemberschild
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
25 October 2015 at 8:46 amI think writing goals helps. When things are in our head, they can be unclear. Hope your year gets better.
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
25 October 2015 at 5:25 pmI’m more mind full than mindful but I find exercising or colouring in quietens and declutters my mind. Strange but true. I think you’re totally right about your house and your desk being mind indicators. I really think my mind reflects my environment. If my environment is messy, disorganised and cluttered, my brain feels like that too. I’m making a conscious effort to be more organised and to declutter. I know my brain will feel better for it! Thanks for linking up to the Ultimate Rabbit Hole.
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted…The Ultimate Rabbit Hole #41
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
25 October 2015 at 5:25 pmI’m more mind full than mindful but I find exercising or colouring in quietens and declutters my mind. Strange but true. I think you’re totally right about your house and your desk being mind indicators. I really think my mind reflects my environment. If my environment is messy, disorganised and cluttered, my brain feels like that too. I’m making a conscious effort to be more organised and to declutter. I know my brain will feel better for it! Thanks for linking up to the Ultimate Rabbit Hole.
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted…The Ultimate Rabbit Hole #41
Shailaja
26 October 2015 at 2:01 pmIt’s so important to have those 15 minutes of mindfulness. I think it’s not you, it’s the pace of life today and the FOMO effect (Fear of Missing Out). What I admire about you is the way you consciously work out, set out on treks, reconnect with Nature, write, blog, work- it’s a lot but the interesting thing is your mind is occupied. And that’s a good thing.
I love how blogging helps us explore our primal needs over and over again 🙂
Shailaja recently posted…The Friends I need #Poetry
Shailaja
26 October 2015 at 2:01 pmIt’s so important to have those 15 minutes of mindfulness. I think it’s not you, it’s the pace of life today and the FOMO effect (Fear of Missing Out). What I admire about you is the way you consciously work out, set out on treks, reconnect with Nature, write, blog, work- it’s a lot but the interesting thing is your mind is occupied. And that’s a good thing.
I love how blogging helps us explore our primal needs over and over again 🙂
Shailaja recently posted…The Friends I need #Poetry
Mackenzie Glanville
26 October 2015 at 3:38 pmLiving temporarily with family whilst we build our new home I feel all over the place. Adding my own 3 children, 3 kittens and a puppy into a small home hasn’t been easy, I feel I have no ‘me’ space and so I feel out of sorts. I really enjoyed this post as it made me reflect n what I need. Thanks for sharing this with #Fridayreflections
Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…kid moments #mg
Mackenzie Glanville
26 October 2015 at 3:38 pmLiving temporarily with family whilst we build our new home I feel all over the place. Adding my own 3 children, 3 kittens and a puppy into a small home hasn’t been easy, I feel I have no ‘me’ space and so I feel out of sorts. I really enjoyed this post as it made me reflect n what I need. Thanks for sharing this with #Fridayreflections
Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…kid moments #mg
Parul Thakur
26 October 2015 at 9:18 pmGreat post and as always, I admire your honesty. My mind as well goes here and there but to calm it down, I prefer walking and letting go of things that are not important. Mostly it works 🙂
Parul Thakur
26 October 2015 at 9:18 pmGreat post and as always, I admire your honesty. My mind as well goes here and there but to calm it down, I prefer walking and letting go of things that are not important. Mostly it works 🙂
Grace
27 October 2015 at 9:59 pmMy mind is soooo all over the place right now! I need to do some meditation. I usually use the Headspace app. There’s a 10 minutes in 10 day challenge and it works so well for me.
Grace recently posted…FYBF – The Pink Tutu Edition
Grace
27 October 2015 at 9:59 pmMy mind is soooo all over the place right now! I need to do some meditation. I usually use the Headspace app. There’s a 10 minutes in 10 day challenge and it works so well for me.
Grace recently posted…FYBF – The Pink Tutu Edition
Janine
27 October 2015 at 11:58 pmGosh Im having a hard time quieting my mind at the moment too. Needing to get back into yoga, meditation, mindfulness…way too much going on, way too much to do, wasting too much time on ‘stuff’ (hmmm social media…). We will get there. We will.
Janine recently posted…How have you changed from the person you were 5 years ago?
Janine
27 October 2015 at 11:58 pmGosh Im having a hard time quieting my mind at the moment too. Needing to get back into yoga, meditation, mindfulness…way too much going on, way too much to do, wasting too much time on ‘stuff’ (hmmm social media…). We will get there. We will.
Janine recently posted…How have you changed from the person you were 5 years ago?