Anonymous
Photo by Jalencia Pouge.
If you’re reading this, take a moment to breathe.
When was the last time you took a step back and processed your day or who you are?
I don’t mean sitting on your phone and switching between multiple social media apps, numbing your emotions and avoiding your feelings. I mean taking time to be mindful and engaging with your environment at your own pace.
Lately I have caught myself scrambling between school, work, and personal business with very little time to regulate and check in with myself and that has taken a toll on my mental and physical wellbeing.
I wake up, get ready for school, rush out of the house, go to class, participate in extracurriculars, shower, do my homework, go to bed, and repeat every single day with very little breaks or switch ups in my routine. Some nights I get to bed later than I want to and wake up more tired than usual and then I must push through my day tired, rinse and repeat.
It took a little while before I realized that this way of functioning does not give me any time to be alone with myself, spend time with my hobbies, or get the rest I need. I knew that I needed a change.
I took a weekend from all my commitments, that I was able to opt-out of, for at least a day and dedicated those 24-48 to taking care of myself and my mind. I did a transparent brain dump of how I felt about my life into my journal and did not stop until I was satisfied and hit all the points necessary. I went through and made a list of my needs and what I have lacked in doing the past few weeks. I made note of how I wanted to show up for myself and others in the best way possible that was manageable and not overwhelming. I then assessed my wants and how they would uplift my spirits and help me feel well rested.
I made sure that everything I listed was authentic and true to me and not a performance for others. We often may find ourselves performing in little ways for others without realizing it, I am guilty of this. I reflected on everything I wrote and took more time to reflect on my identity and who I am. I had to check in and see if the way I behave aligns with who I want to be and if not, how I would improve in certain areas this week or this month.
I then made sure to step away from the analysis and have fun! I read a few chapters of a book, I took some time to sketch and eventually pulled out my camera to take pictures for fun.
While I may not be where I want to yet, I will continue making sure that I take a moment to breathe to keep myself healthy, engaged in life, and to be the best person I can be and I hope you will too.
With Love and a Breath - :)
Anonymous, University of South Carolina
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