Finding Joy in Life's Moments Through Mindfulness
Who here has stared at a clock like it was a countdown to freedom? I know I have. I used to set my treadmill timer, climb on, and watch the clock eagerly awaiting it to grant me permission to hop off! In fact, I love the weekends so much that I am always aware of how many days it is until the weekend. We all are guilty of looking forward to the future. However, what we miss during these times of looking forward is our present life.
I try to do a lot of self-reflection. Recently, I have started reflecting on what would life be like if I truly enjoyed the moment instead of looking forward to the next adventure or life goal. For instance, running can be a somewhat enjoyable experience as you notice how your body responds to the exertion- there is a reason people talk about a “runner’s high!” The work week accounts for over 70 percent of our life! Waiting for the next great moment means there is never pleasure in the moment, and we truly are never satisfied.
Anyone that has been in my therapy room knows that I love to talk about mindfulness. Mindfulness is a fancy word that means an acknowledgement and appreciation of the moment. It can be done in simple ways, such as putting your phone down while with friends and taking in the moment of friendship, journaling, meditation, or going for a run. Research has shown that mindfulness has benefits at promoting relationships, reducing stress and anxiety, helping with symptoms of AD/HD, reducing symptoms of depression, as well as benefits in school performance for children! That is incredible that something so simple can have such an impact!
I challenge you to find joy in the present moment. Whether it is enjoying watching the rain come in instead of yearning for sunshine, feeling how strong your body can be during exercise, or finding the joy during your work week because there was a reason you chose your profession. Our words and thoughts become our reality, so when you find beauty in the moment write it down in a journal. Take note of all the present moments because these moments are what life is truly about.
Written by: Amy Rollo, M.A., LSSP, LPC-S
If you’re struggling to find joy in life’s moments, work burnout counseling can help. Contact us today.
Amy Rollo is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and owner of Heights Family Counseling. Amy has been practicing for fifteen years. She has doctoral level training in the areas of child and adolescent counseling, marriage and family therapy, and adult counseling. Amy Rollo provides counseling and evaluation services in the Houston Heights and surrounding areas. Amy’s goal in counseling is to journey with her clients in order to foster positive changes and growth in their lives. Read more about Amy's counseling style by visiting www.heightsfamilycounseling.com