Romanticize the monotony

There are thoughts that come and go, you think of many things right, you might have picked them up from something you saw today or heard someone say or read it in a book or so many more such instances.

Then there are thoughts instilled by society, thoughts that are running through you since generations, so deep and rooted that they never seem to leave. Or at times they are so deep rooted that it becomes quite difficult to even notice their presence.

One such thought I always struggled with was that of – “You don’t have enough time, enough time to achieve, to love, to travel and what not!” Yes, I am pro for - Carpe diem, yes seize the moment, yes live as if it is your last day – but don’t rush. Don’t rush through it all, through the bucket list or to do’s or simply your wants.   

Don’t sprint on the sidewalks, enjoy them. Don’t tap your foot when on the metro, don’t stare at the clock for the time to pass. Don’t do that! These are all moments that are happening to you in your “Now”, notice how precious they are.

Your now will turn into your past, a moment you might think about years later, so why not remember the sidewalk as the path where you played your favourite playlist, why not remember the metro as a ride where you noticed all that’s around and counted your blessings.

Why not romanticize and make the monotony of life the most beautiful moments.

Take it all in, the sun or the rain or just the patterns you see on the old building to your left, or maybe just see how beautiful your reflection looks on the mirror/glass that you pass by. Pause, take it all in, smell the smell, breathe the air, see the light, be grateful for the breeze and most importantly, be grateful for you!

Nothing in life would be cinematic unless you believe yourself to be the Hero, unless you take the initiative to make it all blissful and magical. You don’t have to physically do something, although it might catalyse the process it is not needed, all that is needed is your outlook.

The way you perceive things and look at them is what makes the difference.

I hated college; I was miserable there, but how I made my time better was by romanticising the monotony. I would play my top favourite songs when I climbed up the steep road to reach the college entrance or I would fill myself up with gratitude for crossing few big hotels (visualizing that I am in that particular room or that I am standing in the balcony and sipping coffee there) in the metro and my most loved one was – to reward myself with a Lemon soda, cheapest drink available at the local store when I had a really bad day.

All these moments were not something that happened on their own, but I pushed myself to feel in a way that would life me up. I faked it in the beginning, until my mind got convinced of it for real. Now almost 8 years later when I think of that time, I remember the struggle but mostly what I remember is how I felt joyful.

I sometimes get confused thinking why was I joyful walking up to college or in that metro when I hated those years. So basically, I am carrying the good, the good that lifted my spirit up then and what still gives me joy.

So don’t believe that taking a Starbucks and going to work will be what gives you joy, as it will soon turn into a monotonous routine, but if you want it to be as joyful as day 1, work on romanticising it!

Fall in love with that walk, fall in love with the process of placing the order for your coffee, greet all those who come your way, cause darling – Remember, you are the Hero here!