Slow Down Once and For All!

We have all become so impatient over the years. We expect instant results, and complain when it doesn't happen to our liking. We've gone from drive thru meals in our car, to getting mini face lifts during our lunch hour. What is the rush? Is there something at the finish line that I'm unaware of? I guarantee the end result, for however much time you have left to enjoy it, is not nearly as exciting as the journey itself. We lose the ability to really experience the journey when we are multitasking every minute of every day. The point of this mulititasking is once again to get us somewhere really important, very quickly. I am sure that many people have had experiences where they were driving their car, eating a meal at the same time, talking on their cell phone to someone, while talking with their kids in the back of the car. You then realize you have no memory of the drive you just drove. Scary thought isn't it? I am not saying that multitasking is not a good idea, for I do my fair share of it, but there is a point where it becomes all consuming and you miss the moments of your life. Until I put this in my awareness was I truly able to begin making some changes. My life was also extremely busy and I was going at such a fast pace that I was missing some wonderful moments in my children's lives, moments that cannot be recaptured. So, all I ask of you this week is to take a step back and observe yourself through a different set of eyes.

ACTION STEPS FOR THE WEEK:

1. Just breatheWhen you find yourself going in several different directions at once, just take a minute and breathe. I know this might sound fairly simplistic, but I guarantee it works. Just the act of breathing, and focusing on being more present, snaps you back to reality. It not only calms you down physically, but it's a mental break from all the over stimulations.

2. Be mindfulWhat does being mindful mean? Practicing mindfulness is truly living the moments of your life in that exact moment. When you are talking with a friend, you are giving them 100% of your undivided attention. When you are eating a meal, you are truly savoring each bite. You are not eating while talking on the phone and thinking of your chore list. Just practice mindfulness this week and see if you experience things differently.

3. What's the rush?
It is always a good idea to re-evaluate why you are doing what you are doing on a regular basis. What are you rushing towards? What are you trying to achieve really? Once you achieve a set goal, then what? Are you going to slow down and savor the achievement or are you jumping right back on the path you were just on? Just be aware of your intentions.

Good Luck!Have a great week!

Leslie