DO NOT DISTURB: FROM NOTIFICATIONS TO PEACE

 

A degree hotter feel like an end of a marathon filled with pride, relief and a strange unsettling silence. I find myself staring at my screen more often than not, feeling drained, less inspired. It took me a while to realise and acknowledge that constant notifications, scrolling, and my availability was quietly robbing me of my peace and productivity. 

So, I have decided to change things. 

I start my mornings with something as simple as a meditation session, coffee and a book. My meditation helps me focus on what is important. I gracefully take my coffee, savouring its rich African taste as it unlocks a surge of energy into my blood stream. Reading for an hour helps centre my thoughts like an armour ready to take on whatever challenges unfold throughout the day. And, I have truly dedicated my best hours of the day to productivity. Even, with this rhythm, I have noticed something troubling. 

I have always valued being a good friend or co-worker. I still do. The kind who picks up the phone, replies quickly and listens without judgement. While I care, I too carry my own silent load. I am navigating uncertainty, self-doubt, and the pressure of figuring it all out like everyone else. 

So, I am doing something simple, but powerful: I have turned on DO NOT DISTURB.

It is a boundary. A quiet way of saying, "I am not always available, and that is okay." It has given me room to breathe, think and focus. I find more time to reflect on what I need and not just what others expect of me. 

This season of my life is a delicate one. I am learning yo honour my space. It is not selfish, it is necessary. Cutting down on screen time, creating mindful routines, and putting limits on how accessible I am has helped me feel more grounded. This is just the start. 

If you are in a similar place, caught between ambition and exhaustion, maybe it is time to ask: What do I need to feel whole right now? And maybe, just maybe, the first step is hitting DND. Get comfortable because we are going to need more coffee. 

HERE IS TO MORE COFFEE TALKS.