Learning To Chill

We always begin with a toast. To think about all the blessings of the day, and to vocalize them, will set the stage for relaxing. A peaceful mind also begins with a spirit of gratitude. We invite you to reflect on all of the positive aspects of your day. For me, it's as simple as being thankful for a hot shower. Do you realize that a hot shower was not a common experience for most of humanity, and now we live in a time when we can turn on a valve and have it in our home instantly. Sometimes focusing on the delightful little things in our lives can move us past the negativity of the day. And let's be real, it doesn't take long for negativity to get all over us. Then it often spreads to those around us.

Here are some practical tips for keeping that "chill" vibe.

1. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS - No matter how bad a day you may have experienced, if you are breathing and healthy then you begin here with a spirit of gratitude. This mindset will allow you to see other small wins in your life. Even in poor health we can be grateful for little things. And remember, every person on this planet is fighting a battle of some kind. Difficulty is not exclusive to you. Be thankful and kind.

2. LIVE IN A CLIMATE YOU LIKE - Now before you blast me for being ridiculous and unrealistic please read this out. There are many who's careers require them to live in a location that may be less than ideal. There can also be family ties and financial considerations that makes picking up and moving a "no go". I get it, BUT this idea is hardly considered by most at least until retirement age. How much income would you trade to live in the ideal climate for you? We all have that climate location that makes us feel awesome. Different climates appeal to different people and they have very diverse choices in weather. Whether you embrace colder climates, drier climates, warmer climates, sandy beaches or snowy mountains, why not choose to live where you can awake to a climate that you are gonna enjoy? Have you actually considered putting climate as a priority in your life. Why be miserable living in a location that keeps you in a bad mood because you dislike the weather most of the time?

3. CHOOSE YOUR PEOPLE WISELY - The company you keep can have a direct impact on your mood. Who of you truly enjoys listening to constant bitching about everything. Shed yourselves of these negative influences immediately. The old saying, "misery loves company" still applies today. Negative people will ruin your good vibes every time. Don't let them!

4. REDUCE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA - I am not a social media opponent, however, I do believe that social media can become the negative friend of whom we choose to spend a lot of time. If you are spending more than 15-20 minutes a day on social media then your life is being hijacked and you don't even realize it. We were designed for face-to-face human interactions. Have you ever thought about the fact that there are other human creatures all around us and yet we choose to ignore them and engage in an artificial facade. We've all witnessed a room full of strangers who are all on their phones and ignoring one another. Why is this? I think one reason is that it is easy and we are lazy. It takes brain power to engage with another person in a meaningful way, but when we do it feeds our souls and refreshes our spirit. I also don't believe that we were designed to see and cope with the entire world and all of its catastrophes.Technology now serves up a hardy portion of every bad event that takes place across the globe. That information has the potential to keep us in a state of gloom and doom. Put down the phone and at least be present for your loved ones and friends.

5. FIND A PASSIVE HOBBY - Find an activity in which you can immerse yourself. Have you ever done something and looked at the clock only to wonder where time had gone? You were most likely engaged in an activity that brought you great joy and/or creative pleasure. A good hobby can help you relax and recharge your batteries. For me, I enjoy my time playing guitar and trying new recipes. My wife, Sherrie, enjoys cultivating herbs and making homeopathic remedies. Whatever you find to do, make sure that you set aside time to actually do it!

6. MUSIC IS YOUR "CHILL" FRIEND - Yes, I love music and do life to it so this is a no brainer for me, but even if you aren't a music nerd, music can and will take your mood to a place. Music is the only unexplainable reality of this life. It can evoke emotions, set moods and can whip an army into a battle frenzy. Choose your music wisely. Aggressive heavy metal music all the time can definitely wear on your "chill" vibe. I've got nothing against a good Disturbed tune, but be sensitive to the moment. Music can certainly enhance, or kill any vibe. Some of Sherrie and my favorite chill times include a music playlist that helps us connect and to relax. It can be fun sharing favorite songs and building playlists together.

7. JUST STOP! - The demands on us to succeed, to win, to fight, to run fast, to look good and to show no weakness begins to take its toll on us. We often look back, and we always seem to look ahead at what's to come. I'm gonna recommend that we make more of an effort to live in the present. We can't change the past (though we can learn from it) and if we are being honest, we really don't know what tomorrow holds. All we really know is the present. To live in the present is to live with an inner peace that eludes many. To live in the present allows us to truly love others. To live in the present means that we put others before ourselves. We listen, we love and we care. It is in this place where the worries of this life melt away and we can actually breath and relax. It is here where our health begins to improve, relationships grow and you will find the "chill" vibe.