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Slow Down and Enjoy Life!
No one will disagree
that modern life can get insanely busy - if we let it.
Are we too busy though? How comfortable are we when
we don't have anything to distract us? Are we content
when we're not accomplishing something, moving ahead
in our goals or helping others? Is our sense of worth
tied to our busyness? Are we a slave to recognition?
Are we lonely when we're by ourselves? It is important
not only to reflect upon such questions but to decide
to behave differently.
Perhaps we could set aside five minutes
of 'thinking time' a day. Some people might just 'be'
while others may choose to meditate or pray. We might
also do well to engage in a solitary activity from time
to time or even develop a hobby that we quietly enjoy
ourselves. Instead of only reading work-related journals,
we should read outside of our area of expertise and
read for pure pleasure.
Many of us are performance-oriented
and driven by success and competition. We should acknowledge
that one day we may be at a loss to know what to do
with ourselves when our career is over, retirement beckons,
or perhaps we become physically unable to actively pursue
the same interests. Can we still be happy even when
we're not busy? We need to slow down and savor life
- not rush through it and miss so much potential beauty
and happiness along the way. It is entirely possible
to discipline ourselves to slow down and be more fully
present in each human interaction and each solitary
moment of our day.
Being fully present is impossible if
we are constantly rushing about, going over our 'to
do' list or mentally reviewing the meeting we just left.
To be fully present is to give 100% attention to the
task at hand or to whomever we're talking. It means
maintaining a comfortable degree of eye contact, verbally
showing comprehension and asking open-ended questions.
Applied to family life, trying to slow down and be more
present brings irreplaceable rewards. The dignity of
each family member is recognized and deeper relationships
result. The next time your child or a young person asks
for attention in some way be reminded that nothing is
more important or sends a message of love more than
willingly giving them your time. It's a gift of self.
Do not miss the truly important parts
of life by being too preoccupied and busy. Slow down!
Resolve today to:
o Look for the beauty around you
o Begin to read a book for pleasure
o Spend some quiet time alone
o Listen better
o Spend some time visiting with family and/or friends
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