Substitute Sundays

Last semester, I was running around in a constant hurry with work, school, and my other writing projects. There was relationship I was working on. There were goals I had. I accomplished everything I wanted to within that time period, but I was always stressed. Not a moment too soon, the winter break came. After a couple weeks of being hopelessly bored with my sudden time freedom, I wandered into Barnes & Noble at Tempe Marketplace and started picking up book on psychology (my major), business and networking (my interest and area of improvement with Project Forever), as well as a couple books by Deepak Chopra and a couple books on the law of attraction.

As I have been reading, I have also made some other changes to my life as well. The past month I have been eating almost exclusively organically (Fresh & Easy markets are my new love), drinking has been at a minimum (I’ve had vodka only three times in the last month, wine three times as well), I have been smoke-free for a week, and I purchased an entirely new wardrobe. I have also changed my perspective when it comes to relationships — I have always put others and their needs first when it comes to romantic relationships. I have come to finally understand the true neccessity of meeting in the middle or of a fair give/take, and to that end, I understand that I need to begin looking after my needs and desires first, as a primary. Of course when a romantic relationship does come about, there is a receptive end on both sides, but one cannot base a romantic relationship off giving one your primary best and leaving yourself the mediocre seconds.

I have also been working on not stessing myself out this semester, on being able to slow down and enjoy life generally a bit more. To this end, I created an hour-and-a-half break in between work and school in the afternoons where I can sit in a coffee shop and read and relax my mind, or I can meet with a friend if need be. I am in school five days a week, but only taking one class a day. I am out of class by 7pm, and am free to go to bed, go home and read, relax, meet with a friend, go to the gym, go on a date. I am free to do whatever I need or desire to do to round out my day before retiring for the evening.

Lastly, I’ve been taking some steps to drown out some noise. I still watch tv, but I am reducing it by quite a bit (for example, I’m watching The Sarah Connor Chronicles right now). I like peaceful, quietness. I like being able to think and have space for my mind to be creative. I am getting more writing done this way. I am getting my homework done efficiently and I do not feel pressed for time.

So, just my two cents on my world at the moment, and a reminder to you all: take some quiet time, and read, meditate, relax, or just be and enjoy breathing! It really is nice to be calm!