A friend recently asked, if you get a month off from job,
that too without any TODO list, what will you do. That seemed pretty easy question to me and I replied that I will send
few things immediately. But as I started thinking about it, I realized, it is
not that easy, especially when you don’t want to waste it. For those whom time
has become the most important commodity in life, will understand why.
Over the years, it is now becoming more and more clear that health is very important and without health one will not be able to enjoy and live happily even if they have all other things, so first thing you should start is, pickup exercise routine you like and suits you, do it regularly. In our fast-paced life, mental health is become equally important. Meditation, though sound trivial, has great impact and should be included in the routine. Fortunately, I got a chance to participate in a program that is helping me in better understand mental wellbeing and I am experiencing the impact of meditation.
Next one will be, do spend some time with self, preferably alone, quietly, not even music. It might be boring, but that boredom will lead to thinking and realization of what really matters. One also realizes what you like to do, call it a hobby if you want. Pick up that activity in the schedule. Take up a language class or bakery class, it gives a great sense of satisfaction and achievement when you create something. There is nothing like having your own painting framed on your wall. Pick up few books and aim to complete those, but avoid coffee-table books
Though you have time, the family
might still be continuing with their routine. Do plan and spend as much time
with family as you can. This again might sound too obvious, but it is not. As I
like to say,
नाती
फुलांसारखी असतात. त्यांना उमलू द्यावं लागतं. पाणी बदलावं लागतं. उन दाखवावं लागतं. Basically लक्ष द्यावं लागतं. आपोआप उमलणारी गोष्ट नाही ती
Avoid spending a lot of time
watching TV, surfing thru channels OR websites, or browsing thru social media,
it is endless, and in my opinion, it could easily eat up most of your day
without any purpose. You can pick a series to watch. But watch (only) couple of
episodes in day, as series like HEROES/GOT can be keep you awake days and nights
if you keep watching back to back episodes. Avoid visiting relatives and places
just because you have time, it might not be a good use of time. Do this only if
you really want to. Another area to avoid is shopping, online or in-store.
Friends matters. Meet friends,
catchup with them. It is likely that you are already taking your friendship for
granted and it already started diminishing. Use this time to rejuvenate. Go
out, meet new people especially younger ones, they just have way different
perspectives. Listen and observe small kids. Spend time with nature, go for a
walk or hiking. Nature is probably the best healer and guide, go for cycling, if
kids can join, even better.
A popular though says, just assume
these are the only 30 days you got and then start living. Though this is very
appealing to start with, it is not realistic. I feel, one should use (or I will
say invest) this time to have a happier and healthier life after those 30 days.
During this time, another aspect to work on is, what AFTER this. See how you can use this time to have WOW days
even after. That might include change in work, exploring options, may be doing
something else, doing some math about time-money-outcome-want. And don’t just
think, act on it, you might fail in few, but you can afford that at this time
and experience matters.
