Gratitude, presence and a sense of exploration can help us redeem the benefits of feeling like we are on vacation every day, says Sami Toussi.
Do you live your life 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. This didn’t happen overnight, but I made 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 lifestyle after a dreamy vacation, with intention and presence we can experience variety, connection, and a newfound joy in the city we call home.
How to Live Life Like a Tourist?
Next time you leave your home, use these three key takeaways to rekindle the love for your city.
1. Step into a World of Gratitude – When I travelled to Italy, I was in a pure state of bliss, smiling ear to ear with visions of beauty everywhere. While we can’t travel every day, we can step into a state of gratitude strolling around our own city. On your next trip to the office, market, friend’s house, wherever it may be, let gratitude sink in as you feel the tingling of all your senses. Open your eyes wide to the beauty in nature, the bright colors and funky street art, breathe it all in. Remember how lucky you are to be alive and that there are so many people that would kill to be in your shoes.
2. Be Present– Did you know the average person has 70,000 thoughts per day? That’s 48.6 thoughts per minute. Unfortunately, many of these thoughts are an anticipation of what’s next, causing us to lose this very moment and miss out on life. Try meditating, connecting with friends or breath work to allow mindfulness to lead you on your touristic journey. Explore your environment, capture the present moment and experience an entirely new level of fulfillment in your life.
3.Experience Newness– While it may be convenient and easy to turn on Netflix and curl up on the couch, add some flavor into your life by seeking adventure. Try a new restaurant, grab coffee at a cozy cafe or trendy bar or strike up conversation with a neighbor. Talk 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. Life is too short to be anything but exciting.
I am sure you will find, just as I have, that living as a continuous tourist will leave you feeling fulfilled and fresh. This week I challenge us all to experience gratitude, presence, and variety and live like a tourist without ever having to leave our zip codes.
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About the author:
Sami Toussi is a Career & Life Strategist trained by coaching guru, Tony Robbins Strategic Intervention School. She is a Board-Certified Coach who conducts one-on-one sessions and workshops in Dubai, UAE and worldwide. If you are seeking an accountability and change coach, she invites you to work with her and make this happen. Sami specializes in Purposeful Career Coaching and Personal Development Journey.
Visit www.samitoussi.com for more information.