Life is so fleeting. Today I called to make an appointment with our acupuncturist, and was shocked to discover it has been over two years since we've seen her. The older we get, the faster it goes. It reminds me of a saying I've heard over the years, "life is like a roll of toilet paper; the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes." While we're here, we tend to rush through life.
Just the other day, we were passed in a no-passing zone by a person in a big hurry to get through life. Even though we're always rushing around trying to accomplish "stuff", research suggests that we are happiest when we're "doing" rather than when we have completed our goals. So, how can we learn to stop rushing through life and instead practice conscious living? How can we really enjoy the journey? Here are 3 Quick Tips for you to use that will help you "hang onto" the good times of your life a little while longer.
1. Give up multi-tasking ' at least sometimes. At least once a day be fully present in what you're doing. Instead of reading your email while you're talking on the phone to a client or friend, stop what you're doing and be with them. Really listen to what they have to say. If you've ever driven somewhere, and realized when you arrived that you didn't remember how you got there, you've experienced a prime example of unconscious multi-tasking.
Your mind was so occupied with future and past thoughts, that you didn't notice the journey. Ever wonder what good things you may have missed along the way? 2. Pay attention to where you are - not where you're going.
If you feel stressed or tense, think about why. Is it stress about something that might happen - or something that is happening? For example, when we're close to completing a job in our construction business, I notice that I start worrying about our next job. Where I am right then may be wonderful.
But I still find myself worrying about what might happen in the future. Worst of all, while I'm worrying I'm letting all the good stuff that's happening right now pass me by unnoticed and unappreciated! The answer to this time waster is to learn to be present and appreciate how good life is right here, right now. 3. Connect to what's most important to you.
I don't know anyone who would say that watching TV and reading the newspaper is more important to them than spending time with their loved ones. If you want to capture more of those moments when you feel connected and enjoying life, try giving up TV, newspaper, and other distractions at least one evening a week. Instead, use this time to talk to your family, spend time together in nature, or work on a community project. When you begin to take small steps towards enjoying the journey right now, you'll find a new appreciation for just being alive and taking part in the creative process of living. You will find that this appreciation will enrich all areas of your life - personal and business.
Sandy Reed, Certified Life Coach, ex-corporate manager, and small business owner, is the coach to call for support when you're ready to break out of the corporate rat race, and create a life of freedom and flexibility. Visit her website at http://www.innerclaritylifecoaching.com for more tools and information and to sign-up for her FREE 5-Step eCoaching Program.
