Thea's Thinkings: Self-reflection Sundays: Time out & supporting others (UNICEF)

Self-reflection Sundays: Time out & supporting others (UNICEF)

Thea

2 Comments

Hello!

Welcome to another episode of the Self-reflection series!

I'm really loving this series to far so I hope you've been enjoying it too.

If you're not too sure what I'm talking about, don't worry, you can catch up here:

Self-reflection Sundays

Episode 1: It's OK not to know

Episode 2: Mapping your dreams

Episode 3: The bucket list we forget

The last three weeks have gone so fast and we've covered some great topics and tips on following your dreams. We've talked about having the courage to not feel forced to choose and having faith in your convictions. How to start giving your aspirations an outlet and a better structure to plan and start making those dreams a reality.

Today we're going to be doing something a little bit different but equally important.

Source

Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the "dream", the planning, the research, the comparing, the endless Internet trawling...that we get a bit fuzzy headed. There's so much information running around inside our heads we get lost among the noise and lose sight of our real goals, and how to get there.

It's so important to take time off and reflect on what you've done so far and where you want to go, that is what we are going to be doing today.

I want you to drop the pens, put away the paper, turn off the computer, put away the phone, and just be!

It's OK if you want to read, or listen to music, play and instrument, do some cleaning/DIY/cook...anything but just take your mind of things for an hour.

I like to do something physically active like re-arranging my furniture - sounds stupid I know but I find those are the times I feel my mind finally unwinding, and some of my most clear and focused thoughts come in during those times.

There's one little piece of advice that has always stayed with my from my University days and I apply it as much as I can to every aspect of my life:

"A thesis is 50% writing time and 50% thinking time"

...and it's so true to life too!

It's not all about the doing, you need time for thinking too. Those are the moments you'll come up with the best ideas and plans, and the right mind-set and motivation to really commit.

I want you to give it a go and see how it changes your perspective on things.

But I want you to do one more thing too...

When you're in times on need, one of the best remedies for finding that confidence and motivation again is helping someone else.

That might be a family member who needs help with homework or chores around the house, someone at school or work who needs a listening ear, or a charity that could always use an extra pair of hands...It's not about how big the gesture is, it's about taking the time out to think of others, and in turn you will be helping yourself.

UNICEF are running a fantastic project to help give clean drinking water to children in need called the "UNICEF Tap Project"

It's such an important cause and while your taking time off from your electronic devices you can help too.

All you have to do is head to the website

http://UNICEFTAPPROJECT.ORG/

on your mobile phone, and follow the click through buttons. Then set your phone down and for every 10 minutes your phone is inactive UNICEF's sponsors (Giorgio Armani Fragrances and others) will donate enough funds to the UNICEF tap project to provide a day of clean and safe drinking water to a child in need.

It's a really excellent opportunity to help children in need and is running throughout March. Yesterday I staved off the phone for a total of 4 hours, and today I'm hoping to top my record.

Let me know in the comments below how long you manage to not use your mobile and how much you've raised for the UNICEF Tap Project.

Just remember taking time away from it all to help others will in turn help you reflect on your life too and gain some invaluable perspective.

I hope you've enjoyed today's tools on self-reflection and you come back again next week for another addition to the series.

Bye for now!

About Post Author

Thea

Thea is an Academic, a Crafter and a Musician from the West coast of Wales. She documents her trials and tribualtions as she wanders the maze of challenges that life presents, all while travelling the world and pursuing her dreams.

2 comments:

Clare Brown9 March 2014 at 11:02
Did 10mins yest was great time for practising mindfulness & just being in the moment - thanks for sharing! Love Sunday Self Reflection idea - will def be back, Clare
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