We were all put on this Earth for a reason. Each day, we continue to use our talents and perform to the best of our abilities. What scares me the most is that going about our day-to-day life, tunnel vision is becoming more prominent. To be blinded by what is going on around us is a nerve racking thing. But we could argue it's survival? "If I didn't have tunnel vision to simply get through my daily life, I would crash and burn." I completely understand that. But, I can tell you right now friends, it is possible to see all that is around you, perform to the best of our abilities and not feel overwhelmed. The simple solution is to slow down. Resolve to eliminate hurry in your life.
Perhaps I have been inspired to write this article because of something I saw in San Francisco last week. It was an early Monday morning and everyone was headed into work. Head down, coffee in hand, headphones in and game face on. I noticed one girl in particular was out of character. She had her work clothes on, coffee in one hand, headphone in, but she was crying. Still walking in the crowd, she tried to wear the mask of "I am OK." But she pulled off to a bench and started balling her eyes out. Minutes went by, 15 minutes actually, and the girl continued to sit on the bench crying.
Yet because everyone was so busy watching the ground, no one had any idea that there was someone in need. Some people did see her, but who knows? They may have been late for work and simply didn't have the time to stop. This to me is sad. Are we really that busy and tunnel-visioned that we can't stop and ask if someone is OK? Now, I'm not asking you or shaming the human population because of their lack of compassion for others. I am not doing that at all, because I know to the core we want to love and be loved. But if all people that day hadn't been in such a hurry, we could have shown someone guidance, love, and compassion. Something I know we would like to have or be shown when we feel in need.
So the question is, "How do I resolve the hurry in my life?"
I know its hard to think about slowing down especially when you have to be somewhere by a certain time or you have an project due on a certain day. But here are three tips I can give you.
1. Appreciate things.
Look at the routine car ride you take to work everyday in a different way. Instead of changing lanes, honking when people are jerks, and listening to the radio, use this time to reflect. Set some goals for your day and use this time to think. Appreciate the conversations you have throughout the day with your friends or strangers.
2. Do less.
It's easy for us to fill out plates to just say, "I told you I could do it." Instead of trying to juggle so many things, perhaps try to focus on a couple things and really perfect them. Make them your pride and joy. To do less is more!
3. Be fully present.
Be mindful of what you are doing. Try to focus on the now. It is so easy to caught up in future plans or desires. Focus on what is right now; be a leader for your community.
I truly hope you find some time to eliminate hurry in your life. It will take some practice, but don't get discouraged. You all are great!
