Living a Conscious Life- Thoughtfulness

A friend recently told me that she wants to live a conscious life, she doesn't want to coast through and just do everything out of habit.  She wants to really be there for it.  I feel the same way, but hadn't really put it into words before.  How many of us get up every day, go to work, come home, do chores, watch TV, and then going to bed, only to start the whole cycle over again in the morning.  You start to feel like you're in a rut or that you're just a hamster on a wheel.  And really, what is the purpose of all this work you're doing if you don't take time to be a real and active participant in your own life?

Since that talk, I've been thinking of how to be more conscious in my own life.  The first thing I thought of is letting people know that I am thinking of them.  Whether it's a thank you, a get well wish, or remembering a birthday, it's nice to do something besides post on a person's Facebook wall.  So, I'm resolving to send at least one card a week (hopefully more) to someone who means something to me.  You know how nice it is to get all those Facebook messages from people you haven't seen in years wishing you a happy birthday, well doesn't it feel even nicer when you get a birthday card from someone, knowing they took the time to pick out a card just for you and took the time to deliver it to you.  I think it's time we give other people that feeling throughout the year.

Thoughtfulness

Here's the plan:

1. Have some cards on hand.  Half the battle is getting the card, so keep some on hand.  Either buy some next time you're at Walmart or Hallmark (both have a .99 Warm Wishes Section, and I think Walmart even has a 2/$1.00 section) or Target, pick up a half dozen or so cards.  Get blank ones or ones with verses that you think will fit.  If you have someone in mind, you can get something specifically for them.  Dayspring Cards (affiliate link) will give you 20% with coupon code SAVE20CARDS on any non clearance card order.  Or if you're crafty, make your own.  I always have these big plans to make all my cards, but unless I make them up ahead of time it rarely gets done.  So, get some friends together and have a card making day.  The key is to have your cards ready to go.

2.  Along with cards, you probably need stamps (unless you plan on hand delivering your cards).  Don't like going to the post office?  I don't blame you.  You can order stamps at USPS and just pay a $1 to have them delivered right to your door.

3.  Think of who you should send cards to.  You can make a physical or mental list, it's up to you, but here's some ideas to get you started: that friend that always lets you vent about work, anyone you know who is battling some sort of sickness or disease or caring for a loved one who is, anyone who has taught you something or introduced something to you that is now a part of who you are (the person who introduced you to a favorite author, a craft, or your multiplication tables), family members you normally only see at Christmas, anyone having a birthday, your mom, a coworker who's feeling a little frazzled.  You don't have to write a long letter, or even a letter at all, just let them know you're thinking of them or you appreciate them.

4. Mail your card.  All done.

Then repeat.

I've sent two cards already this week, and it's made me feel more grateful just thinking about the people in my life.  If you're looking to be more conscious and active in your life, give it a shot and let me know how you feel after you tried it.