November: A Month of Gratitude

 

November has been a month about being thankful for what you have for generations.  Every year I patiently wait for Facebook to blow up with statuses of gratitude and modesty.  Today is November 5th and I have seen countless posts already.  Seeing these posts and reading about what others are thankful for really opens my eyes to the lives of others. 

I am constantly reminding myself to be grateful for what I have in front of me despite the many obstacles that are consistently thrown in my
 direction.  Sometimes it takes a moment to step back and realize that I am not alone, everyone has their own lives, their own happy endings and their own troubles. 

November is about putting that negative mindset aside and enjoying all that life has to offer.  Whether it be having a roof over your head, a loving family, a stable job, a higher education or even hot chocolate on a crisp Autumn day, taking the time to be thankful puts life back into perspective.

So today I am thankful.  I am thankful for having a loyal and caring family.  I am thankful for having the opportunity to enhance my education in a field I enjoy.  I am thankful for having the opportunity to experience new things when I have the means to explore.  I am thankful for being me.

 I am just thankful.

Sticky Fingers in your Sleep

Sleep is an aspect of health that holds high importance.  Refreshing sleep allows for a shutdown of a person's day to rejuvenate the spirit, archive memories and recharge the brain.  What happens when your sleep is actually disturbed by technology during these modern times?  Recent studies have shown that more and more people are texting, updating social media accounts and even purchasing apps or retail products while asleep.  Talking while asleep is very common in both children and adults.  Statistics have shown that up to 30% of people have slept walk at some point in their lifetime.  According to a Swedish Medical Center the phenomenon of "parasomnia," the act of performing abnormal tasks while asleep, is now involving technological behaviors. 

Modern day society has become so attached to their smartphones and electronics that even while sleeping their use doesn't decrease.  This behavior disrupts sleep patterns, which in turn disrupts daily life, sometimes without the person being knowledgeably about it.  While performing these acts of social media account updates, phone calls and texting people you may not want to text, the recollection in the morning is scarce.  That is until you glance at your phone in horror as you may have sent a text to an ex-partner or boss.  This has become something most people need to look out for and a few tips are provided for guidance to slow down and get your beauty sleep.

1. Turn your phone off 30 minutes before you settle down for sleep.  If you are unable to turn your phone off due to alarm use or even for the comfort of knowing it's there if you need your phone, set it a fews feet away from you.  This way you do not have full access to potential problems.

2. There are many features on today's smartphones that allow for better control on alerts sent to your phone.  The iPhone has a feature titled, "Do Not Disturb" that allows the owner to set a time frame in which they cannot receive messages until the end time.  This feature helps with distraction and can be a great tool when trying to sleep well.

3. Finally, create a bedtime routine that calms you for sleep.  Do not glance at your social media accounts while in bed or before you go to bed. Stick to the 30 minutes rule.  Having your mind fresh and free of the social media buzz can let your mind focus on what your body really needs, sleep.

There are many causes to this new parasomniac activity, however, knowing yourself and knowing your potential risks can prevent future embarrassment in the morning.  Finding that niche to help your brain and body relax for sleep will flow into your waking life, giving you more confidence.  So turn off your phone or set it farther away from your bedside table.  You will be happy you did when the sun rises.

http://sarahsfav.es/2013/09/05/more-people-now-say-they-text-or-update-social-accounts-in-their-sleep/?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer0771e&utm_medium=twitter

The World Inside the Box

Changing technology has always fascinated me but the energy it takes to keep up with it and participate can be exhausting.  A blog post I recently discovered via Twitter discusses this topic.  Michael Powell, president and CEO at NCTA, writes about the participation in technology innovation rather than the typical materialistic view.  I agree with the idea that purchasing new products does not make you "cooler" or "better," but gives you the opportunity to help technology advance.  The small contribution to society and the growth of our innovation is pretty cool.  However, the rapid pace at which technology moves makes it a little tough to constantly keep up.  You need to be on your toes at any given moment.  This is the main reason I have not upgraded to iOS 7 yet.  In order for my upgrade to happen, I have to delete all of my pictures and videos to make room for the upgrade.  This requires moving all of my data to my computer for extra security during backup and then downloading the new system.  This takes a lot of effort and honestly, I haven't had time.

However, supporting technological advances and choosing where our money goes is something many do not have the opportunity to support.  Powell discusses the pure pleasure and opportunity of this luxury.  Introducing the term of "unboxing" describes the feeling of opening a pretty, new Apple product box, exposing your new Apple product.  This blissful feeling is comparable to the feeling of moving our technological education forward as an individual in the movement of advancement.  I may have to upgrade a little sooner so I can be a part of this growing movement.

 https://www.linkedin.com/influencers/20130918165443-271580474-unboxing-our-tech-future?_mSplash=1&utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffercfd9b&utm_medium=twitter

Mind over Matter

This world is a place of business. What an infinite bustle! I am awaked almost every night by the panting of the locomotive.(1) It interrupts my dreams. There is no sabbath. It would be glorious to see mankind at leisure for once. It is nothing but work, work, work.
Thoreau, Henry David. Life without Principle. 1863.

Upon my reading, I came across this quote written by one of favorite literary authors, Henry David Thoreau. This morning started as they usually do for me in that it was, honestly, a little intimidating. The light cast through my window, teasingly and with great seduction. Each new day asks politely to be embraced with a new perspective, while also challenging each person it greets to be a better version of themselves than the previous. The experiences that have been presented to me throughout my life have shaped everything, as it does all humanity. Dreams that consume my mind during the darkest of nights give me hope of a better night. One that is not terrifying nor merciless. One that allows for a great love for oneself. 

This quote hit close to my heart due to the societal expectations of today. We are expected to look, act and present our best without any regard to how we feel on the inside. Busy streets, hourly meetings, family undertaking and academic rigor are ever present during the 24 hours we are given daily. Society rarely gives a second thought to caring for yourself and self-improvement outside of the workplace. 

The human ability to stand back and say, "Today, I am going to do something for me," is incredibly powerful. This is what I have decided to do. I have decided to take each day one at a time and really live the day for me. Working and striving towards a greater goal in life is important. However, you cannot get to that greater goal without first examining where you are and how you feel about yourself. Thoreau had a good point in that taking time for yourself is a luxury. A luxury that should be taken advantage of for a few minutes a day, a few hours a week. With those few hours, a person can open new possibilities, explore new waters and truly live for themselves in happiness. 

http://www.egs.edu/library/henry-david-thoreau/quotes/