Slow-Down, Baby!

I am sure that many of us can agree that this world is crazy. We live a fast-paced life. Everyday seems as though we have to go a little faster to stay on track. That’s totally understandable, but I feel that as the days go by, I lose myself in all those tasks I need to do.

I usually live everyday trying to complete something, and of course that should be a focus. You should be determined and do what you have to do. However, in the midst of all the chaos, we forget what life is really about. We forget to value the little things.

I believe in weekly routines. I like everyday to be the same. I know that sounds boring, but I just enjoy that structure. The thing is, that I get too focused on my routines that I forget to appreciate the value of everything else. I forget to slow-down and be thankful for what I have. I forget to take a look around and admire all the beauty of this world, despite the horrific things that happen every single day.

One day as I was driving to work, I stopped at a red light, and for a split second looked straight ahead and took a quick glance at our beautiful mountains. Those mountains are there every single day that I drive to work, but I don’t alway notice them because I am too busy with my routine and because it’s what I am used to seeing. At that moment, I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to have such a precious view and that I never took the time to admire those things.

I decided that I wanted to change that. I want to be able to notice those little things in life that are there and we just take for granted. I wondered if those mountains were ever removed (which they won’t) if i would even notice that they weren’t there anymore.

What I am trying to say and summarize is that we should take a moment every day just to say thank you for all that we have. Take a minute from starring at your phone and look up while you’re walking down the street, and smile at someone. That little gesture can mean so much to that person and it took nothing out of you. In fact it will make you feel better. Say thanks to your mom for cooking that delicious meal. Take some time to read a good book and sit outside somewhere. Play with your pets and enjoy every minute of the people around you.

I know that it wont be easy, because we are so used to being connected through our phones. Sometimes it’s hard to have a conversation with someone in person because we are no longer used to it. It will take some time, but I challenge you to try to do something different in your daily routine. Just try to enjoy every single little thing and try to notice the things that you don’t realize are there because we are so used to them.