I’ve finally finished reading a book I got from my local library. That’s a big accomplishment for me! I electronically checked out Atomic Habits and only got through two chapters. I’ve checked out many books online and read just a few pages or chapters then lost interest. Live and learn–I read and interpret information better in book form. What can ya do.
While I would like to do a ‘book report’ or a review on Atomic Habits today, I might save that for when I purchase it. Yes. I’m going to purchase a book I’ve read from the library. There were many solid points that I may need to reference on. I learned a few too many lessons to put them into play. Too many good habits to begin and bad habits to shatter to remember all the tips and tricks.
I noticed some mood changes in the few weeks that I’ve read this book. My positivity has come back–surprise surprise, I use to be a chipper human. Heck, I was given a ‘the most chipper’ award in high school (MANY moons ago). Feeling that positive change, knowing that what I’ve implemented has a good outcome has put me in a better place from when I started. That to me, shows that I owe this book another go. It’s something that I’ll reference from here on out.
If there’s one thing I will try to change the most, it will be my environment. When I say environment, I don’t necessarily mean the physical beings or materials around me. The concept is ‘verbal expression’. These days, anything and everything is on the internet. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion whether it’s true or false, right or wrong, happy or sad. This has impacted me in two of my worlds, my work and personal life.
“The culture we live in determines which behaviors are attractive to us.”
— Atomic Habits by James Clear
I’ve let my social media habits run wild while in the pandemic. Constantly checking the news, how friends and extended family are fairing, and comparing it all to each other. As I mentioned before, I’m trying to find new and different ways of expressing my creativity and I follow many different people on different platforms. Many have their own issues and are working through their problems. While they may not be my own issues, reading–almost daily–comments and thoughts that are mostly ‘negative’ from the internet slowly has done something to me in my mind. How can we be living in a society where we use the phase ‘first world problems’ as a meme but also feeling like the world is ending tomorrow? As a person who wants to help their friends and family with their own problems, reading daily thoughts like this feels hopeless. And for someone like me, it’s literally exhausting. It’s backward affirmations.
I use to believe in the phrase, misery loves company. Some sayings fit for certain circumstances but not all. While I would like to keep this portion short and sweet, it’s important to share since we spend a good amount of our lives at our work place. While you may share the same feelings with your colleagues, hearing their negative thoughts repeatedly is not very healthy. Their thoughts and feelings soon can become yours and you may not even notice. It’s like listening to a nonsmoking recording while your sleeping*. You can lose your path and the reason why you are there in the first place. I think it’s important to reflect–something I should have done earlier. Reflecting can define your feelings and reaffirm your thoughts if valid or untrue.
My parents are my best friends. They know me the best and I see myself in them. They highlight most of my best characteristics and I always value their insight. Not being able to see them or embrace them has also put a cloud over my head. They are capable of seeing through my bu** sh** and giving good perspective without sounding critical. Without their feedback, I had too much negative and not enough positive. My environment exponentially grew more grey and led me down a dark path. I can’t say that being vaccinated has lifted some of that (yay to bars again!) but I was able to slowly see how I’ve changed [for the worse] and implement positive change. I’m done with looking on the internet for answers, it’s time to start acting. I empathize with my colleagues, but their thoughts and experiences are not my own and don’t form my identity. You only have one life to live. It’s time to live to the fullest.
Just a friendly reminder that I will be attempting to post regularly on Mondays and Fridays. Most will be blogs but you’ll still get a drink recipe from me every once in awhile 😉 Cheers, my fellow humans.
*Please look up or watch the Friends episode where Chandler tries to stop smoking… You won’t regret it!
KatD0m 