Have you ever felt so stressed that it felt like you were walled off from the rest of the world around you? Even though you woke up and got dressed, you didn’t feel sick, your allergies weren’t acting up too badly, and there was nothing really horrid about the day in front of you?
Have you ever felt like even though you were driving down the road, walking up and down the halls are work, and were surrounded by people in the grocery store or walking past your house, that you were totally alone?
Sometimes it feels like you’re just going through the motions in life, not really taking the time to savor anything wonderful or worthwhile.
Take just a moment to watch this quick video. (And if you can’t see it, click here.)
What can’t you see because of the stress in your life?
- When was the last time you actually noticed the birds chirping outside? Or were you too engrossed with your phone?
- When was the last time you noticed the colors around you: the bulbs poking through the barren ground in the winter, the sparkle left by the sun on water, the leaves changing in the fall? Or were you rushing to your car because you were already running late?
- When was the last time you had a really good belly laugh? Or were you too busy to notice the joke?
- When was the last time you noticed the smile lines on your husband’s face when he looks at you? Or were you too focused on sharing that day’s to-do list with him?
- When was the last time you stopped to show compassion for someone else by listening to their worries? Or were you too busy sharing your own woes to even hear that they are experiencing the same thing as you?
When you feel connected to others and the world around you, you start to feel stress and depression lift. But when you’re running from one thing to the next, and you’re not observant of the “small” things that you often take for granted, that’s when doubt, worry, sadness, and stress really start to creep in.
Reframe the way you see the world, and discover not only what you’ve been missing, but also the solutions to the stress in your life.
Each time I watch this video, it sends chills up my spine and serves as a poignant reminder that life is short, too short to ignore showing kindness, spending time with those we love, and enjoying the beauty that still does exist in the world around us. What thoughts did you have after watching this? I’d love for you to share your thoughts below, even if you had a different insight!