Stealing Time for Myself
As I drive home from work, I often reflect on my day. Everything that transpired, how my to-do list has evolved, and what tomorrow looks like. I find I’m holding my breath, overwhelmed by the sheer responsibility life has turned into. I have spent years letting myself spiral down those rabbit holes. Never taking time to savor the small victories, the sweet fruits of labor, or the peace between fires.
I have recently learned about the “Block Universe Theory”; the concept that all things exist and occur simultaneously, so that the past, present, and future are all occurring at the same time. However, we only exist in the present. This idea has forced me to challenge my view of the world, concepts of time, and what it means to be “present”.
I have been struggling with being present, my entire life. Recently, my husband made a suggestion that I have found useful. It allows me to quickly “check in” with how I am feeling in my body, mind and spirit. It helps interrupt the “rabbit hole ride” we all are so familiar with right now. It also helped me to slow down, enjoy my day, and stretch the present into the majority of my day. It’s kind of like stealing time for myself.
He asked me to list what I currently smell, see, taste, feel, and hear. He explained that by checking in with my five senses, I could pull my brain out of the past or future and into the present. Like some kind of crazy sensation wormhole trick. I smelled warm coffee, felt the steam tickle my chin. I see the birds mocking my chickens, as my chickens look out with greedy eyes from their run. I hear my husband washing the dishes and I can still taste toothpaste from my morning ritual.
When my ADHD brain gets bored with the five senses, I create a new, but similar process. I focus on experiencing the elements. I feel the rocks of my stone driveway on my bare feet as the wind aids in drying my wet hair while I fetch the mail. The sun warms my face and I take a deep breath.
Within these small moments, my mind is able to restructure my priorities, concerns, and worries. I am able to find time to stop and smell the roses, see what’s really important, hear the needs of those around me with more clarity, feel the interactions I have with people more strongly, and taste the small victories with a higher opinion of life.
Sometimes we can’t control our environment, our past, present, or future. But we can control the small moments we find when we take the time to experience the miracle that is life with the gifts that have been given to us.
Feel well and do good,
ADIO
Dr. Tabetha Super