31: Doing Things on Purpose

Finally... the last BEDIM blog. I know it's taken a long time coming, but I'm glad it's finally being written. Anywho.





As y'all know, I am a strong supporter and believer in the minimalist lifestyle. To me, minimalism is doing everything consciously. Consuming objects, eating, walking, organizing, just living. It's making every decision you make deliberate.





So many people, myself included, go through their days doing things and not caring, much less thinking, about the outcomes or consequences. I'm not saying you should overthink everything, but that things should be done on purpose.





3 Ways To Be Deliberate





1) Go slowly. When you take the time to do something slowly, you truly experience every second of it. You do each step purposefully and mindfully. For example, how often do you brush your teeth whilst thinking of something else? The coming day, what you're going to wear, whatever. I challenge you to do a routine activity, like brushing your teeth or folding clothes, while focusing just on that thing.





2) Be mindful. I know I don't do this all the time, but I'm working on it. I so often speed through the day, without really feeling the emotions or experiences touch me. What I'm really working on now is taking away or ignoring the distractions, like listening to my iPod or reading on my phone on the bus or train. You miss so much of this blink of an eye we're given on earth if you don't take the time to just feel and be present.





3) Think things through. I've just recently started thinking about my actions and words before I do or say them. This prevents telling white lies when you could just tell the truth, missaying things, and leaving something out.





These 3 little tips are just some things that I am trying to focus on in my life, so I can fully live. I know I've only got one life, but I want to really be mindful and maximize it.

And, thus, concludes BEDIM, 2 months later. :)