Rough Around the Edges

As I near the beginning of my fourth decade in this world, I take a few steps back to re-evaluate. 

I have never in the past thought that I could ever feel what I will term a 'momentous occasion,' for lack of a better word, creeping upon me. 

Ever since my conscience came into being, I developed this romantic notion of the idea of the process

of human growth and development. And every year of my life since, I remember having sincerely felt like I had "grown" in some way. They were small changes and they mostly took place overnight, but they were nevertheless an improvement. Be it having finally finished that book i had bought 4 years ago, giving a piece of sound advice to a good friend, not reacting to something i felt strongly about to solving a math problem. And they made my happy. 

However, for some time now I have felt slightly differently. Rather than have my dose of growth creep up on me on a full moon, I thought I would make a conscious effort to find it. Life is about improving oneself to the point where you're somewhat satisfied with the result. It can be done with the guidance of people close to you or it can come from within. We'll all still be rough around the edges as there is never a "right" way of doing anything. But, that's the beauty of life. 

Here's my list of things to do while you're re-evaluating. It's not conclusive and I'll keep adding to it as I keep discovering. 

  1. Getting Fit - Yoga, Gym, Pilates, Cross Fit, anything that pumps up your adrenaline.

  2. Noticing the green of the leaves on the trees. Try it, it's rejuvenating to the senses.

  3. Taking a class in something you've never tried before. 

  4. Quitting a job.

  5. Swallowing that big ego.

  6. Learning to look at the light-hearted side of life.

  7. Hanging out with children/babies. Their innocence reinstills faith. 

  8. Reconnecting with old friends.

  9. Helping someone you don't know from adam. 

10. Colouring.

11. Dancing in front of the mirror.

12. Meditating. Even if it's for 5 minutes. It helps.

13. Wearing an outfit that's not usual to your style.

14. Conversing with a close elder - parent, grandmother etc. Profound insights guaranteed.

15. Saying 'I love You' or 'I care about you' to a close someone you've never said it to before.

16. Reading non-fiction.

17. Cooking up a challenging recipe.

18. Saying no.