Off The Beaten Path : a few thoughts. {mary grace}

lately i've been taking more time for myself, and i have had nothing but lovely results. there's a certain boost in self-awareness that surfaces when you reserve time for yourself and i think this is so important. every single day i find myself seamlessly wandering and moving through time and life, but until i take a step back and treat myself to a chunk of 'me-time', i don't think i truly cherish the moment//the present//the now for what it is and its utmost importance.

i know that this is a hot topic among our generation and at this point it almost sounds cliche or very 'stop-and-smell-the-roses', but i think there is more to it than that. turning inward and allowing for personal mindfulness and appreciation is special and allows you to reflect and focus on your physical & mental wants, needs, and their current state of wellbeing. it's only fair that we take a little time away from others to care for and think about ourselves.

this time can be whatever you want it to be, as it's strictly personal and differs for everyone. for me, on different days i crave different things. one thing i do keep constant, though, are my sunday nights. from 9 pm to 10 pm is my reserved hour for mass and it may just be my favorite slot of time throughout the entire week. it's something i look forward to as it encourages spiritual reflection and a quiet time to think. if nothing else, it serves as a quick step-back from a busy schedule and provides closure to the ups & downs of the past week.

recently, i have been craving more and more time with myself. i think i've finally discovered its beauty and its benefits. it helps me refresh my outlook on life. i've been waking up a bit earlier, allowing myself to eat and enjoy breakfast and do some reading just for fun. it's always nice to steer the focus away from school for a bit. this time also allows me to crank out a few yoga moves, go for a run, or just stretch out my body. it may just be me, but i always feel much happier and motivated to start my day after even just a few minutes of deep stretching.

mornings have become my favorite time of day. i never quite realized how important they were until i started taking advantage of them. even just waking up an hour earlier than usual does wonders on my happiness and on my outlook for the upcoming day. now that i get to spend the quiet mornings with myself, i don't mind waking up, as i have something to look forward to and something to be excited about...every single day! i love it. i have also found mornings to be so important to the upkeep of my body. early exercise pumps out my endorphins and a yummy breakfast replenishes it. reading jolts my brain cells awake and stretching awakens my muscles. it's a time to take care of my body before everything begins, especially during these unpredictable college years.

my days vary. sometimes i want to experience quiet, reflective moments with myself, such as studying (studying has always been a solo act for me; for some reason i find it to be a very personal activity) or a solo trip downtown to walk & think & explore. other days call for more pick-me-up moments, such as cleaning my room while simultaneously having a jam session; it's fun but it still makes me feel more put together than i was before.

sometimes you need this to remind you that life isn't all that serious, but your relationship with yourself and your body is and always will be.

now, go spend some time with your lovely self. i promise you'll enjoy it.

xoxo,
mary grace