Routine, although comfortable, sometimes makes us content and makes us take certain things for granted. However, when it comes to family, fashion, career, hobbies and fitness, there is no single formula to getting it all done. We each have our unique touch that makes certain key moments special.
To celebrate these key moments, T.J. Maxx partnered with editors and bloggers to show just how varied these can be. I was lucky to be part of this project, choosing getting ready in my closet as my key moment. I met with life coach and author Christine Hassler who discussed with me how to take an authentic approach to every aspect of my life. We discovered that fashion, my passion and hobby, kept popping up in my daily routine, making my day-to-day special. Another component of the project was a photoshoot to capture my unique moment. Danielle Guenther managed to capture that exact moment where I get lost with the pieces in my closet, whether it be looking for clothes to wear, to sell on my Instagram account @alescloset or just an inspiration for my next blog post.
What I learned was that whether it be your daily exercise routine, your commute to work or cooking a meal, we should make every effort to make each moment count. Here’s how.
1. Be mindful of the present
Remember life is happening right now. Many times we put things “off until tomorrow” but we never know what tomorrow holds. Keep in mind that right now, whether you like your circumstances or not, your life is happening. Learn from your mistakes, savor your accomplishments – big and small -, and grow from your experiences, regardless of whether they made you laugh or cry.
Christine Hassler proved to me just how hard it is to absorb the present moment. Want to give it a try? Have a look around the room you’re in for everything that’s white. Ready? Now close your eyes. Go on! …… Now tell me what’s red in the room. Pretty hard when you’re focused on something else, right?
2. Relax
Many people think that by keeping themselves busy all the time, they are maximizing their life. Slow down. Sometimes the simple moments in life are what matter most. A stroll through the park, sharing a home-cooked meal with a loved one, etc.
58 percent of women between the ages of 20 and 65 reported they make time for the things that matter most on a daily basis, which includes spending time with loved ones and family (56%), quiet time alone (20%), and fitness (11%). This pays off when they do, with 93 percent reporting a positive result, including feeling happy, balanced and relaxed.
3. Keep a bucket list and tick it off
By keeping a bucket list, you are holding yourself accountable to your dreams and the life you have always wanted. Make sure to review it constantly and tick off each item as you accomplish each. Enjoy the sheer satisfaction of crossing out YOUR life’s to-do’s.
4. Be grateful for your experiences rather than let-down by your expectations
Sometimes our expectations can get the better of us. Something that excites us or scares us can get our minds to over-think situations and fill our heads with an abundance of “what if’s”. Avoid this by practicing gratitude for what you experienced in the past and what you are going through.
5. Focus on making time, not money
Often times, we are focused on progressing in our careers and earning more and more money. It is unfortunate how sometimes a drastic event like a close friend’s terminal illness makes us stop and realize time is actually more important. Time with loved ones, time doing what you’re truly passionate about, time giving your happiness a chance.
6. Explore hobbies
Sometimes, making that moment count is through activities that you establish as hobbies. If you’re passionate about it, you will find that elements of this new hobby trickling into your day-to-day routine, making each day special!
7. Don’t lose that personal touch
In today’s modern world, with ever-growing personal interactions being replaced by technology, it is easy to get carried away with spending your time on the Internet and social media. Surround yourself with people you love, value those people around you and make every effort to meet up with them regularly. And when you do, don’t let your phone get in the way. A trick to step back from today’s technology-filled days is to have Sundays be your social media-free day. Try it and you’ll see what a difference it makes!
No size fits all when it comes to making each moment count. All of us have something that makes our heart beat faster. My recommendation is to follow those special moments to avoid fitting in a pre-established mold.