Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast—you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. Eddie Cantor

I grew up listening to Paul Simon’s “Feeling Groovy” and loved the message of slowing down. We’ve all heard the admonishment, “Stop and smell the roses!” The question is—are we listening? It always seems like there’s one more important thing that needs to be done before the day is over, so I often feel like I’m pushing right to the last minute. Then when I do get home and am ready to relax, sometimes I just collapse and escape. Unfortunately this means I’m missing the life I am in the process of creating.

This year I made an agreement with myself that I would find a new rhythm. I practice walking more slowly, having longer conversations and shorter meetings. I work to have regular breaks in my day and in my week. All this slows me down considerably. Surprisingly it doesn’t make me any less productive or effective. Actually the opposite. In the meantime, I’m rediscovering things I like to do, places I like to go, and people I like to spend time with. My life is much more fulfilling and I’m feeling way more “groovy” than stressed. How would it be if you decided to do the same thing?

Spiritual Contemplation: Are you moving too fast? What can you do to slow down?

Affirmation: I slow down and enjoy the ordinary moments of my day. I am present to the beauty and wonder of life!

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