Live Like a Tourist
I’ve lived in Dubai for more than two years now, and still, try to live each day as if I’m in a new city. While this didn’t happen overnight, I did make a conscious effort some time ago to feel excited by my environment, embrace new experiences, and appreciate the wonder in the seemingly mundane. Don’t get me wrong, I still have cases of wanderlust. And while it’s difficult returning to reality’s hustle and bustle after a dreamy vacation, with intention and presence we CAN experience variety, connection and a newfound joy in the city we call home.
Next time you leave your home, use these three key takeaways to rekindle the love for your city.
How to Live Life Like a Tourist:
Step Into a World of Gratitude – When I traveled to Italy, I was in a pure state of bliss, smiling from ear to ear with visions of beauty everywhere. Sadly, we can’t travel every day. But we can step into a state of gratitude strolling around our own city.
On your next trip to the office or when you’re out walking and heading to favorite cafe, wherever life takes you, tap into your five basic senses. See the colors around, smell a flower, listen to the birds chirping, feel the breeze against your skin. Sink into gratitude for life.
Remember how lucky you are to be alive, you to get to read this sentence right now. There are millions of people around the world who would kill to be in your shoes.
Be Present– Did you know the average person has 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts per day? That’s around 49 thoughts per minute and 2,500 – 3,300 thoughts per hour. Yet, most of our thoughts are stuck in a ‘fight or flight’ mode of thinking, reflecting on the past or dreaming about the future, inevitably, leading us to lose this very moment and miss out on our life.
To slow down your thoughts, try meditating. Focusing back on your breath can be a simple mind trick that allows you to come back to a state of mindfulness. Explore your environment, capture the present moment and experience an entirely new level of fulfillment in your life.
Experience Newness– While it may be convenient and easy to turn on Netflix and curl up on the couch, add some flavor in your life by going on an adventure. Try a new restaurant, order coffee at a cozy cafe, sip on a cocktail at a trendy bar or even strike up conversation with a neighbor. New connections are also an easy way to experience newness. Chat up a stranger in line for coffee (a simple compliment can lead to a new friend) or venture out to a networking event (try Meetup or Eventbrite). Speak to as many people as you can to experience connection and variety. We can get into a rut when we’ve been living somewhere for too long, making life feel like a bore. Remember, life is too short to be anything but exciting.
I am sure you will find, just as I have, that living as a local tourist adds fulfillment (and fun!) into your life.
A Final Thought
This week I challenge us all to experience gratitude, presence, and variety and live like a tourist without even having to leave our zip codes. If you want to learn more leave a comment below or you can set up a free consultation session here.