“Never get so busy in life that you forget the simple things such as the beauty of a sunset.”
In life, we often get caught up in things, such as our jobs, social life, family, school, diets etc. We tend to forget to do the things that make us happy; we stop trying to grow and learn as a result of our busyness; we don’t stop to take the time to admire things or actually see the things that are around us. It starts in about middle school (junior high), where you begin to get involved if after-school activities, your social circles grow, you have more homework to do and it keeps spiraling until you are an adult and then BAM! you are ready to retire and you wonder where the heck those years went?
It’s the “growing-up trap.” We see things at face value and nothing more, whereas when we were a kid we would see things differently and always questioned what we didn’t know. When was the last time you sat down, read good book and actually thought about it, instead of skimming the surface to say you have read it? When was the last time you went out on a hike and enjoyed the nature, the scenery, the pain fun of the hike instead of thinking about the impending amount of work you have to do the next day? When was the last time you truly looked at the sunset, something so beautiful, that happens to occur every night (save for bad weather) and think, “Wow, there is so much more out there.”?
Sunset on a remote Palawan island
I have seen countless sunsets in my life, but it took a visit to the Philippines for me to stop and appreciate where I am in life, how lucky I am, and how awe-inspiring the world truly is. (Also helps that the Philippines has some of the most amazing sunsets on Earth!) We are caught in a world of technology where we take pictures of our food, travels, pets, work outfits, gym sessions, etc. but we aren’t really seeing. Next time before instagramming that photo or snapchatting it to a friend (I can make these verbs, right?) actually take a second minute to actually look at what you are doing and where you are. See, smell, and touch at what is going on and savor the moment. A mental image can be worth so much more than just a snapshot. Take what is in around you, because there is a reason that you are taking this photo.
Sunsent on Boracay Island
Few things stop us these days from our go, go, go lifestyle, but I am asking you to take a moment to stop, take a breath, and look around you. Grab that picture of the sunset, or the flower, or the delicious meal you are about to eat and relish the time instead of thinking about the twenty other things you have to do this week. Enjoy the simple things in life while you can.
