I wouldn't say I have a structured mindfulness practice, but I do find myself thinking and reflecting on life in general from time to time; sometimes, those thoughts may be triggered by simple yet meaningful conversations with my friends, siblings or just some random people I meet.
Just recently, my friend and I were talking about how tough things have become for many people, especially those who hardly find a square meal and struggle to afford basic needs. That conversation, as usual, was very short, but it made me think about my own journey and how everything has come to be - I love to do this once in a while when life slows down for a moment.
My friend expressed how she had gotten into debt which she had no choice, and constantly looking for ways to repay to avoid embarrassment. I couldn't help but contrast that with my own choices. Something that has helped me to this level is how I've always been intentional about my independence and not depending on anyone for survival, especially not on a partner like she does. She often seeks financial help from her boyfriend, sometimes to the extent of not giving him breathing space, making it seem like he's working for her alone. That's never been my approach.
Mindfulness, for me, has been about taking note of and gathering my life, ensuring I stand on my own feet, and making life choices that bring me peace rather than discomfort or stress. Every time, I used to dwell on how blessed I was to have come this far. This is all thanks to mindful living - a path I've chosen for myself and have come to love.
I've built my life in a way that prioritises comfort, independence and mental well-being. I don't want a life that would give me stress or weigh me down, forcing me into survival mode. This is why I am more careful, structuring things in a way that works best for me, whether in work or lifestyle choices.
This became clearer to me while on house hunting, looking for a new place to live. I've seen apartments with exorbitant prices, and while some look appealing, the only question I ask myself is: would I be able to afford this in the coming years? I wouldn't want to start depending on relatives or friends to gather money every year just to avoid embarrassment. I only look out for a home in which it wouldn't stress me paying but to give me peace rather than putting me in distress or leaving me struggling to maintain it.
I realized in that moment how mindfulness has shaped not just my financial decisions but the way I approach life in general. Most times, I think about the adulthood stage, wishing I could become a child again, but I believe everyone is learning and will continue to move from one stage to another. I've trained myself to reflect beyond thinking about the present or what looks good at the moment and only consider what aligns with my long-term well-being, something more of a future gratification.
One thing I'm grateful for is how my decision to embrace minimalism has played a huge role in this. I don't just want any home; I want one that truly serves my needs, meets my budget even for the long term and a place that provides comfort without adding unnecessary burden.
I've found myself lost in thoughts for the past few days, being mindful of the expenses ahead, especially when I need to pack out from my previous apartment to another city, things I would get in my new place, carefully weighing what is necessary and not, while ensuring everything aligns well in the end. My approach to mindfulness remains the same: carefully choosing what brings me peace, not stress.
Even in my simplest moments, I choose to just enjoy the bliss of nature, taking a walk outside, smiling at people as if there's no problem, and just minding my business - I see mindfulness at play in this.
At the end of the day, it's not just about being aware of my surroundings but maintaining my integrity, self-respect and sanity. Being mindful of my life and every happening around me has allowed me to build a life I don't want to escape from, it has helped me fully embrace this adulthood stage, calming myself down and realizing it is a stage I wouldn't want to shy away from but to enjoy the moment while learning my lessons slowly. It is what keeps me grounded as I navigate life's decisions.
Mindfulness isn't just an ordinary practice to me but something that has quietly shaped my entire way of life.
All images in the post are mine
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Being mindful of the things we do show that we regard ourselves and don't want something that is unbecoming.
Depending on anyone no matter how close they are to us is stressful. That is why conscious effort should be applied to being mindful.
I like your wrist watch on the first pics 😁😁
Yea, conscious effort is needed and necessary to being mindful of how we live, things we allow to get us going while discarding stuff that aren't comfortable to us.
Thanks, sis 😘
You're welcome
This image belongs to millycf1976 and was manipulated using Canva.
It's my pleasure. Thank you.
Knowing what you want is something that helps a lot to move forward in adulthood. Being content with what we have and not thinking so much about what we don't have makes us happier and more satisfied. Greetings @princessbusayo
Your approach to mindfulness is truly inspiring! I love how you prioritize peace, independence, and long-term well-being over temporary comforts. It’s a great reminder that mindful living goes beyond just awareness—it’s about making intentional choices that support our future.