I believe most of us fundamentally understand the necessity for periodic self-reflection. The issue at hand is not the need for it, but the excuses keeping us from actually completing the task. I have spoken several times about learning to say no to timewasting activities, and developing the prowess to rid ourselves of external excuses that keep us from what matters.
What better time to sit at home and work on yourself than a snow day? Here in Reno, with the onset of a large snowstorm, I find myself unwilling to leave the house in order to dart from place to place running errands or completing other tasks that require me to drive in these conditions. I can now choose how I would like to spend the extra time I have been given by this brutal weather.
Consciously choosing to do something beneficial for myself takes effort and dedication. It means drowning out the voices telling me to do laundry or watch TV, which, sometimes, is no easy task. Deciding to do something different takes discipline, but the rewards are worth the struggle (and the more it is done, the easier it becomes).
Everyone should take the time to have their own personal “snow day” in order to do something beneficial for themselves. Journal, meditate, or perhaps begin one of Pamela Slim or Tina Seelig’s written exercises. Feeling creative? Try being a child for the day! You can also complete my callings visualization exercise. These are only ideas; the point is to use any excuse you can (such as a snow day) in order to prioritize yourself.
If you see palm trees out your window instead of snow, that’s okay. Get creative! Make up a reason why you cannot afford to do anything but work on yourself for a while. It may be helpful to set a time limit in order to keep from feeling overwhelmed if self-reflection is not standard practice for you. Tell yourself you will journal for an hour, for example, and then hold yourself to it. This accomplishment holds value on many levels; first, you will have the benefit of having completed the actual exercise, and second, you will have the satisfaction and pride of having followed through with a goal.
