Such wonderful things surround you

Let me ask you one question:

Does anyone else out there NEED to have a planner? 

Between to-do lists, grocery lists, obligations, plans, assignments, work, and play, how can one person keep track of everything they need to do? I'm not saying technology isn't wonderful, but you can call me old-fashioned because in order to remember everything I need to do, I have to physically write it down..in little blocked off areas..for each specific day.

'When it rains, it pours', and oh boy is that saying the truth. It's almost as if professors conspire to have their biggest assignments all due on the same day. But I can feel my blood pressure lower after I have organized everything on paper. My brain takes a deep breath and sighs it out heavily and I can reset and decompress.

Meanwhile:

I've been exploring this a lot lately being a 24 year-old, whose best friends have all graduated, in my final semester at William and Mary. How do you find the happy middle ground between living in the moment and an overwhelming excitement for events to come in the near and distant future?

 There are many interesting articles outlining the differences between extroverts, introverts, and ambiverts. I didn't know an ambivert was a thing. Example:

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/steps-authentic-happiness-positive-psychology/2013/sep/14/introvert-or-extrovert-which-better-answer-ambiver/

Most people are ambiverts, obviously, because everyone needs quality alone time as well as the energy of others. I've recently had the epiphany that while I lie somewhere in the middle, I lean towards being (drum roll...) an extrovert! (you must be shocked, I know). 'Extroverts often draw energy from others', and this is often the case for me. 

But to wrap all of this up:

1.) It's impossible to be alone and quiet your mind if you have fifteen to-do lists lined with responsibilities in the back of your mind- I have learned to handle this by writing everything down, and find comfort and ease in the fact that I can open a planner and remind myself of what comes next.

2.) Too much alone time can drive an extrovert crazy, while introverts often get anxious surrounded by large groups of people for an extended period of time. It is within your power to recognize WHO you are and what is best for YOU. Give yourself what you need. Don't hesitate, be scared or put it off. Being empowered is caring for yourself as much as you care for others. It isn't selfish, it's practical.

3.) Meditation: Try it, you'll like it. Any person, no matter where they are in their journey of life, can do it. Stress often results in tension in your body and shallow breathing. Bringing focus to your breath is another step towards allowing yourself to empty your mind and just be. When you empty your mind, you allow yourself to truly be alone. You can free yourself from everything. What a beautiful thing, to feel completely free.

Remember:

It's easy to forget when we get caught up in our hectic lives. Stop and smell the roses.

Breathe

Love yourself

Love others

There is beauty everywhere