“Your decision to be yourself pays off in rich dividends. The word impossible is deleted from your vocabulary.” – Raymond Charles Barker
A friend of mine recently cancelled all of his social media accounts. He did so because he felt that every time he went on these sites, he was being bombarded by other peoples’ opinions and ideas. In a world with so much advertising and interaction with others, it is important to take the time to tune in to your own voice.
Some people are more sensitive to outside input then others. Oversensitivity can also be related to getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and feeling self-expressed. Whatever the case, we all feel disconnected from who we are sometimes. When this happens, the voices of others can feel suffocating.
Thankfully, there are some simple things we can do to reconnect to our own voice, and get back into the positive flow of life. One thing that helps, when we are feeling overwhelmed by the world around us, is to find some time to reflect on what is happening. It is beneficial to look at what is causing our stress.
Stress is like a weed in a garden. If it is not tended to, it may reach out and begin to strangle other plants, negatively affecting the entire ecosystem. On the other hand, when we locate and address the root of our own stress, we cause a positive ripple effect in our lives.
If we are not getting enough sleep, for example, then finding time to rest can be the first step. By making time to rest, we start to gain insights into some of the things that we have been missing by rushing through life and ignoring our fatigue. Getting sufficient sleep can have a positive effect as our nervous system recharges and we have time to digest, and learn from, the experiences we have.
The same principal applies to eating when we are hungry. If we are rushing and pushing through our day without eating, chances are we are not very pleasant to be around, nor are we operating at our maximum efficiency and efficacy when we are at work. A recent series of commercials captures the effects of hunger perfectly, using the word “hangry” to describe the irritability that occurs when we do not eat, and the joy that returns when we do.
For our students, healthy habits are very important. A steady, reliable routine, that includes proper nourishment and enough rest can erase a majority of the struggles that young people face. They need plenty of fuel, and rest, to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally at such a fast rate. This is especially important for the highly sensitive population that get thrown off more easily. They, too, can flourish when supported properly.
Another important part of staying connected to ourselves is feeling creatively self-expressed. Sometimes all that is required is that we listen to young people with an open mind. Setting aside time, in which they can authentically express what is going on inside them, free from judgment, unlocks new reserves of energy and let’s them know that they are not alone. This practice is the cornerstone of the work I do with our students.
It is often the simple things that we overlook as we face a challenging situation. At these times it is even more important to tend to our basic needs. If we take some time to care for the basics, then all of the other issues will begin to resolve themselves. When we are fed and rested we are more alert and receptive to new ideas and solutions that arise. Our higher order thinking needs the foundation of a properly functioning mind and body.
One other key element to living a successful life is enthusiasm. When we care for our basic needs and support our children in doing the same, our natural joy returns. Then we become magnetic to the things we desire and our success gains momentum.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the outside noise, take some time to check-in with your basic needs. Are you taking time to be good to yourself? Are you eating regularly and getting enough rest? Do you feel creatively expressed? If not, it is not a big deal. Start with something simple. Take a break to rest your eyes for three minutes in the middle of the morning and the afternoon. Pack a snack and carry a journal to draw, color, or write in. You are worth the effort, and the results will surprise you.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to www.DarrellandEd.com.
