Some necessary don’ts

As a community and as individuals we have all some very clearly demarcated Dos and Don’ts when it comes to our day-to-day activities or even in general when doing life. We do a certain something because it is the right thing to do, or it is prescribed so. Succumbing to some situations because that’s how the norm is, that is what “should be” done. We have all been in these situations and more often than not, we have only suffered because what should be done is entirely different from what we really wanted to do. Today we are talking about some of the don’ts that should be done.

Drawing boundaries: Not exaggerating even a bit but I have seen people breaking down when faced with a situation where they have to say no to someone or for something. How did this little word become such a huge burden? For years we have been conditioned to be polite aka say yes, be okay with or even tolerate some things only because denying looks difficult or rude or out of the line of societal acceptance. A simple practice, to begin with, is to check in with yourself first. Do you feel okay saying yes, do you have the time or the bandwidth to be present (both physically and mentally), do you feel comfortable being in that position? If any of these is a no, then excuse yourself and do everyone, including yourself a favor. Assert a boundary for yourself first, and the rest will follow your lead.

Healthy Imbalance: We have a YouTube video for literally everything in the world. You name (read “type”) it, and you have it. Whoever knew we would have such power at our fingertips! You can never get bored. Now, this last sentence is more terrifying than anything. There is so much always going on that our brain is always stimulated by something or the other. While watching stuff online can be entertaining and informative but gradually it can make us feel really bogged down by how much someone else is getting done. It can even get us hooked to the constant dopamine. We need to allow ourselves to get bored, enjoy solitude, and sometimes every day without any gadgets. Create more than you consume. Create a deeper relationship with your family, make that call to the long-lost friend, learn to cook something new for lunch, nurture a new plant, and plan a trip.

Refrain & restraint: With so much access and ease of availability of absolutely anything and everything, it is very easy to go astray. It takes a lot of effort, dedication, and consistency to stick to a routine and very little to no effort to go off track. The only thing that can set you apart is tough love. It is important to restrict yourself at times when it seems to say yes is the convenient thing to do. It may bring you some moments of joy but if you know it is going to get you off your routine and make you feel bad eventually then it’s best to refrain. When everything around you is too lucrative and you still chose to step aside and follow your own stride, that’s when you know that restraint is the true power.

On that note, wishing you all a great week ahead!