Slow Down
This week is about slowing down in a world that is constantly moving at a fast pace, faster than any of us have experienced in the past. I already know what you are thinking. How do I slow down when there is so much to do? Most of us feel that way. Often, we think that if we can just get that next thing done, we can relax and take a break, but as soon as that thing is done, there are already two or three more things to do. We have learned how to jump from one task to another just to keep up. It’s a crazy merry-go-round pattern that is causing more stress today, than ever before. Starting today, let’s stop some of the craziness. Research shows that if you will just stop, focus on that one thing that needs to be at a time, and do it, that you will start to feel more in control and calmer. We actually increase our stress level by worrying about what needs to be done tomorrow or next week. Don’t get me wrong. You will still need to do those things, but let’s learn to focus on the moment. That’s the power of yoga, learning to be in the moment. But if you are not yet in the yoga stage of your life, start by taking things one at a time!
Something to Think About
Stress is one of the leading causes for heart attacks, as well as many auto-immune disorders which slow us down. So ironically, if you don’t slow down on your own, your body will eventually slow you down. Based on that, we should all be motivated to look for ways to slow down and reduce our stress, right? Not tomorrow, not when we have more time, not when we get caught up, but NOW.
Weekly Challenge
This week slow down your mind and your actions. While driving on the expressway, drive in the right lane and drive the speed limit. Listen to a good audio book when driving. When saying good night to your family and loved ones, take just a little longer to enjoy their company and listen while they share their day with you. Give them 100% of your attention in that moment. Set up a no-tech policy during meals and talk to those at the table. Turn off your phone at least one hour a day or when working on a project. At work, take a little extra time to focus on the task at hand, and don’t worry about everything else. Your satisfaction and production will sky rocket and you’ll see immediate results in every area of your life.
Words of Wisdom
Lighten up, just enjoy life, smile more, laugh more, and don't get so worked up about things. - Kenneth Branagh
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. - Helen Keller
One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching. -- Gerard Way
Today, take time to smell the roses, enjoy those little things about your life, your family, spouse, friends, job. Forget about the thorns -the pains and problems they cause you - and enjoy life. - Bernard Kelvin Clive
Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. -- Eddie Cantor