I want you to take a second and think about the most important nouns in your life. For anyone who doesn’t remember high school English, nouns are people, places, and things.
Now, consider the important verbs in your life. Action, activity, movement. Can you remember the last instance you dedicated time to the pursuit of the nouns and verbs that you love?
We can become so wrapped up in the fine details of life that we won’t remember in a week or six months or two years from now. Our jobs, even if it provides incredible fulfillment for our life, is not the only piece that makes us whole.
Here in New York City, we have beautiful parks, great nightlife, trendy restaurants, cool clothes, and interesting fitness and wellness spots. When was the last time you took advantage of these opportunities because you wanted to, not to fulfill a work obligation or because you were dragged by someone else?
When was the last time you took a hike with friends? When was the last time you relaxed at a pool, or the ocean, or a spa? Can you remember when you last jumped in the car with no destination or flew to a new city and experienced more of the world? Have you recently spoken to the people in your life that matter to you? Have you told them you love them?
We need to start remembering that we are interesting, intelligent, able-bodied young adults who deserve to experience all of the best things in the world.
Saving money is really important – we all know that. The bills will come, rent will need to be paid, retirement is on the far horizon. Although it is so important to save money for these things, we need to also remember to take advantage of the prime of our lives, right now.
Start a Fun-Fund
We’re saving money every month anyway, right? So take some of that paycheck and file it away for the intention of using it for yourself. Even if you throw $10 or $20 from each paycheck into that fun fund, it will quickly add up.
Suddenly, going out for drinks with a friend after work because you want to, buying that plane ticket to go home for Christmas, or taking a vacation to the beach to get away from the city for a weekend doesn’t seem so out of reach.
Call the Important People in Your Life
We are on our cell phones every waking minute of every single day. The people we care most about are only a few swipes and a tap away, yet somehow we are incapable of properly communicating with those who are important to us.
Schedule it into your calendar. Set aside one hour, one night per week, dedicated to catching up with those you care about. That’s one hour out of the 168 hours that make up a week; we can all pencil that in.
Sleep Well
One of the greatest things you can do for yourself is getting enough sleep. Your body will thank you. Our bodies regroup and recharge at night when we sleep.
The less time you give your body to rest, the worse you’ll be the next day. Those dark circles under your eyes, the few extra pounds you’ve been trying to lose, the soreness in your muscles are all combated by consistent, well-rested sleep.
You are enough. Not the number in your bank account, not the quality of your health insurance, not the neighborhood you live in. You deserve goodness and relaxation and the opportunities to enjoy the nouns and verbs that you enjoy.
If you can start making time for yourself in these ways, you will embark on a whole new level of self-love.
Feature image credit: 95.9 CHFM
