Slow Down
http://www.refresher.com/mindfulnetwork/articlelive/articles/76/1/Slow-Down/Page1.html
Mike Robbins
Mike Robbins is an expert in success, teamwork, and the power of appreciation. As a former professional baseball player and Internet advertising sales executive, as well as a life-long student of personal development, Mike brings a varied and impressive background to the clients with whom he works. Through his keynotes, seminars, writing, and consulting, Mike empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to be more productive, appreciative, and successful. He is the author of the audio program, The Power of Appreciation, a contributing author of Chicken Soup for the Single Parent’s Soul, and the author of the new best selling book, Focus on the Good Stuff (Hardcover, Jossey-Bass/Wiley). Mike has been featured in Forbes, on the Oprah and Friends radio network, and on NBC. He is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), NSA’s highest earned designation. Mike lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Michelle and their young daughters Samantha and Annarose. Visit http://www.focusonthegoodstuff.com/ for additional information. By Mike Robbins
Published on 05/6/2008
Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride
Do you ever feel like you're rushing around so fast or trying so hard to get to some destination in the future that you're missing out on some really important things in the process? I know I do. In our pursuit of "success," we often forget to stop, notice, and appreciate what's happening right NOW.
Do you ever feel like you're rushing around so fast or trying so hard to get to some destination in the future that you're missing out on some really important things in the process? I know I do. In our pursuit of "success," we often forget to stop, notice, and appreciate what's happening right NOW.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride
Do you ever feel like you're rushing around so fast or trying so hard to get to some destination in the future that you're missing out on some really important things in the process? I know I do. In our pursuit of "success," we often forget to stop, notice, and appreciate what's happening right NOW.
Why do we do this? I'm not exactly sure, but I think it has something to do with our ego telling us that at some point in the future, when we have something we don't currently have - we'll be happy, feel better about ourselves, or feel like we've "made it."
This never seems to work for me, how about you? How many times do we have to bump our head into this same wall until we get it?
What if we slowed ourselves down a bit, stopped "trying" so hard, and trusted ourselves, others, and the process of life a little more? As simple as this may sound, we all know from experience that it can be challenging in the fast-paced, stress-filled world that most of us live in and perpetuate in our own minds.
When we're able to relax and enjoy the journey of life, not only does it calm us down, decrease our stress level, and make us more happy - it allows us to appreciate who we are, where we are, and all of the good things that are happening. It also leads us to real success and, more importantly, to fulfillment. Whether things are "great" or "not so great" (which, by the way, is always an interpretation that we make subjectively), life only ever happens right now in this moment.
Being present is the key. The only time we can change, grow, learn, enjoy, appreciate, celebrate, succeed, and more is right now. Our challenge is to wake up in each and every moment of our lives and to remember, as the famous saying goes, "this is not a dress rehearsal;" this is your real life.
Stop right now and see if you can be present in this moment. Sitting here in front of your computer, with other things on your mind, and probably lots of other stuff to have to do - see if you can put all of that aside for a moment and just be here right now. All it takes in your intention and attention. Notice where you are, how you are feeling, what you are thinking, etc. What can you appreciate about this moment right now? Start practicing being more present in your daily life and see what happens!
Why do we do this? I'm not exactly sure, but I think it has something to do with our ego telling us that at some point in the future, when we have something we don't currently have - we'll be happy, feel better about ourselves, or feel like we've "made it."
This never seems to work for me, how about you? How many times do we have to bump our head into this same wall until we get it?
What if we slowed ourselves down a bit, stopped "trying" so hard, and trusted ourselves, others, and the process of life a little more? As simple as this may sound, we all know from experience that it can be challenging in the fast-paced, stress-filled world that most of us live in and perpetuate in our own minds.
When we're able to relax and enjoy the journey of life, not only does it calm us down, decrease our stress level, and make us more happy - it allows us to appreciate who we are, where we are, and all of the good things that are happening. It also leads us to real success and, more importantly, to fulfillment. Whether things are "great" or "not so great" (which, by the way, is always an interpretation that we make subjectively), life only ever happens right now in this moment.
Being present is the key. The only time we can change, grow, learn, enjoy, appreciate, celebrate, succeed, and more is right now. Our challenge is to wake up in each and every moment of our lives and to remember, as the famous saying goes, "this is not a dress rehearsal;" this is your real life.
Stop right now and see if you can be present in this moment. Sitting here in front of your computer, with other things on your mind, and probably lots of other stuff to have to do - see if you can put all of that aside for a moment and just be here right now. All it takes in your intention and attention. Notice where you are, how you are feeling, what you are thinking, etc. What can you appreciate about this moment right now? Start practicing being more present in your daily life and see what happens!