Today I was out doing errands and I happened to get behind a car that was going really slow. I was boxed in and I couldn’t get around them because of the traffic on both sides of me. The longer I was stuck the more frustrated that I became and I could feel my blood pressure rising. All of the sudden I began to think.

Why in the world did it matter? Where was I going that it was so important that I get there any faster than what traffic was permitting? Most of all, what was I gaining by getting all frustrated when ultimately I was going to wind up at my destination anyway? I am sure this is a feeling that we all experience every day as we are out and about.

After thinking about this, I began to wonder how much this pertains to our every day life. Time moves fast and it seems to get faster every year. I believe that part of the reason for this is that we just don’t take the time to slow down. We are in a hurry to get places. We are in a hurry to get things done. We are often so much in a hurry that we don’t take the time to actually enjoy experiences presented to us. Before we know it days, weeks and months have gone by. When we look back over that period and try to remember what we did, it is so jumbled that often the memories are clouded and we just forget the past.

Imagine if we were to force ourselves to slow down and actually experience and enjoy what life is offering. Longer meals where we can enjoy the company we are with and savor the food that has been prepared. Hanging with friends and being present rather than tethered to our electronic leashes. Taking time to have conversations with our family and friends and actually listening to what they have to say. My guess is if we did this time would naturally slow down as we focus on the moment and enjoy what it is offering.

I always tell people that we get one chance at life. There are no do overs. I for one do not want to be one of those people that get to the end and say I wish I would have. I want to be the person that makes the most out of each and every day understanding that tomorrow is never promised. I want to get to the end and say I am glad I did. Shouldn’t that be something we all strive for? Really, why the hurry?

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles today.

Ron