I took a long walk today along this clear towpath, of Glen Parva Nature Reserve, just on the outskirts of Leicester City . Some rain clouds lurked, but it was just a nice comfortable crisp air, which allowed me to only wear a light jacket. It was an aimless walk, as I felt the need to connect with nature and reflect. Being surrounded by this stunning unspoiled nature makes reflection easy, as there are no distractions just the beautiful melodic sounds of birds and waterfowl.
Do these sounds have a soothing effect on your mind? They certainly do for me.
I spotted a wooden bridge and made a diversion. In the distance, I saw what appeared to be a small shopping centre and a coffee shop. I continued onwards to this showpiece ice cream truck and decided to have a hazelnut gelato ice cream.
While having my ice cream, I returned to the natural surroundings along the towpath, where I stopped for a moment to reflect on my life now, compared to my life 15 years ago.
Everything has changed, including me, and I'm proud to say I am a better version of myself.
I lived a constant stressful lifestyle in a high-demand job role, which kept me alert around the clock. There was no switching off.
[The Thinker, the Detective, that Sixth Sense gift; the multitasker; the Planner; the Problem Solver...]
Those were some things that my peers and superiors described as my key skills. I did them diligently and consistently, with 100% efficiency.
Then things changed. I was no longer a slave employed with high-demand job roles and responsibilities, but a full-time student, which came with different demands and deadlines, and I was equally stressed. I made a conscious decision to decline any team leader role. Still, duties kept landing on me because I am naturally responsible, proactive, take initiative, and I'm not a good follower.
Years went by, and I continued to apply the same assertiveness in my personal life. I was highly wired and operated at full speed simply because that became my nature.
I like to think that I bend and sway with the wind, and the natural direction of where things take me, however, my physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing were not in alignment.
Happiness and I grew detached.
I Needed mental clarity, a mental declutter, mental order, and a slower, calmer lifestyle, for holistic health and stability.
I faced many personal challenges at the onset of slowing down and taking life one day at a time. I had to look deep within me, and through introspection, I realised that I was not living in the moment. I was living my current life in the past, which was stifling my growth. I struggled but found the determination to shift my mindset and perspective, which was a revelation.
A Minimalist Lifestyle saved me and made my life more balanced.
Mindfulness, living and making a great effort to be connected at the moment, and taking life slower, led me back to my authentic self.
I have not lost any of my key skills from applying minimalism to my life. However, I incorporated grounding activities that help to keep me calm and focused while I prioritise things differently and take better control of what my mind focuses on. Therefore, I attribute my personal growth to my applying minimalism in my life, as it helps me to set and work progressively towards my goals and personal development.
So, you see, days of aimless walking in nature, listening and tuning into sounds of nature, indulging in things that I love in moderation, slowing down my thought process, and prioritising things differently have all helped to increase my coping mechanism when faced with challenges.
I know that I do not need to tackle all problems at once.
Thank you for reading my response to option 1 of this week's #KISS blogging ideas for the week.
