write down the thoughts that come to your mind. Don’t edit them.

From “Listen To Your Day: The Life-Changing Practice of Paying Attention” by Paul Angone

I ask you to consciously catch yourself and pause before jumping on your phone, computer, or internet browser.

I want you to be intentional about not mindlessly jumping on some device when you feel those awkward, uncomfortable, boring gaps in your day.

Don’t fill those gaps with instant junk. It’s like we’re chain-smoking our phones, lighting up and getting a hit before we even realize what we’re doing.

Catch yourself. Stop yourself. Then simply get up, put down the phone, and do something else.

Take a five-minute walk. Prepare a healthy snack. Clean something. Pray. Lie down on the ground and put your feet on a chair. I’m serious. When I was studying for finals in college and I’d hit a black, this would be my go-to position to help revive myself and launch new thoughts.

Then I want you to write down the thoughts that come to your mind. Don’t edit them.