Whether by default, societal pressures, intelligent design, or sheer chemical imbalance in my brain, I have always been one to obsess and overwork myself. I have been set in my ways, accepting the fact that success and, ultimately, happiness, would find me eventually, as a product of my excessive involvement in my school and work activities.

Whereas the American ego promotes this uniform schedule, I recently discovered the importance of leisure in the form of simple pleasures. Many see this as unproductive (and therefore wasted) time. This mindset is flawed and manipulated, making it easy to overlook all of the elements of life that take away our purest interests: the ones that make us who we truly are rather than who we often portray to others. I have learned to view this time as a necessary component to maintain my sanity when I am crumbling under the weight brought upon by the confinement of daily life and social constructs. I have been using an expression to refer to this newfound remedy. This expression mimics the same checklist mentality that is so prevalent in our ever-moving society: a soul assignment.

A soul assignment is a period of time that we incorporate into our daily lives (ahem, our planners) that is specifically set aside for whatever it is that makes us feel whole heartedly happy. This soul assignment can be anything that holds the ultimate feeling of comfort and peace for you.

It can be as planned as trips to mom-and-pop coffee shops, enjoying every moment spent sipping on a new beverage and relishing in live local music. Splurging on breakfast on a Sunday morning. Sitting at the end of the dock, appreciating the fulfilling silence accompanied by the gentle sound of the waves. Discovering a new spot in the woods after a much-needed oxygen enhancing walk. It can be as easy as guided meditation in the morning, or singing to your favorite songs as loud as you possibly can for a half an hour straight after work, watching the sunset fade from cotton candy hues to star-littered black. Drawing a picture for nobody else to see or writing a passage for nobody else to read.

Soul assignments will vary for everyone, and only you will know what yours is. No explanation needed. Amidst a world that makes us feel so out of control of so many aspects, these feelings are an exception. Say it out loud with me: these moments are mine.

So, I challenge you and, more so, beg of you, to please embark on your soul assignments as frequently as you are able. Never let anyone undermine the imperative nature of “me-time” and reflection, nor lose sight of the roots of your “me-ness.” Savor that feeling in order to stay grounded. Keep it in a jar to take out whenever you need a pick me up, when you need to feel rejuvenated and revitalized. Make no mistake: you are never too busy to fill your life with pure, unadulterated joy.

Your operation #SoulAssignment commences now.