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Take Time

We do it all day, every day. There is not a second that we do not take time. Whatever it is that we are doing, we are taking the time to do it. Sure, sometimes it is not our choice to do said thing, but we are doing it nonetheless.

For the most part however, we get to decide what we do. And often times, we move on from one experience to the next without savoring it. Unfortunately, words like cherish and linger are not exercised during those moments. Well, I hope today is the day those words become attached to more of our experiences.

If your plate is so ridiculously full that you are constantly in motion and unable to pause for a moment, I encourage and challenge you to take one – just one thing off of your plate. I hope doing so gives you at least a few minutes in your day to do the following. And if your plate is not overflowing, let’s go!

1. Be present and aware.

Something great has happened or will happen today. But it will come and go without you noticing, if you are too busy. Maybe your morning stroll involved you passing by hundreds of dollars in cash. Or maybe your friend is pouring their heart out about a momentous occasion, but your head in another world. Do not let our busyness keep us from truly being in the spaces we inhabit.

“Our headphones, that put our surroundings on mute, prevent us from potentially being the change in someone’s day.”

Sometimes we are not busy at all, but without reminders like this we fail to really engage. Our headphones, that put our surroundings on mute, prevent us from potentially being the change in someone’s day. Let’s:

2. Stop and smell the roses.

I grew up landscaping with my family, so I really enjoy the many smells that plants produce. There are many life experiences that produce figuratively pleasant aromas as well. The work bonus that appeared on your desk or in your mailbox was amazing. However, forgetting to invest into the team that made it happen or reflecting on the strategies that produced the results could keep that fragrance from occurring next quarter.

What about when your child, young or old, shares an accomplishment? I have often responded with, “Good job!” but then continued whatever it is that I was doing. But there have been other instances where I have engaged further – asking questions about how it makes her feel or what brought it about. Oh how different that moment became. What could have been a small celebration became a unforgettable milestone. What steps do you need to take to:

3. Pause and linger?

Take some time to walk through the art gallery of your life. Are there any moments that you passed by without really pausing to cherish them? Did a close friend or family member pass away that you did not honestly grieve? Have you dismissed someone who hurt you that you now need to forgive? Maybe you now realize what all your parents did you raise you.

Take time to pause. Linger. Feel the emotions. Take a deep breath. Invite wise friends or leaders into the conversations. Embrace the joys and tragedies.  Experience them through a new lens. While doing so:

4. Jot down thoughts, considering them.

With all of these examples, and the ones that come to your mind as you read this, get out a pen, paper, or a device to record them on. We get so much more out of the things we study and take notes on. Let this be one of them. When I encourage you to take time, I mean lots of it. Five minutes is a good start, but the goal is at least an hour per day…at least! Use this time to answer questions like the following, but go beyond that. There are so many questions to ask.

“What was significant about that moment?” “How can this newfound information help me to be a better friend, parent or leader to this person?” “How could I have said that more respectfully?” “Where can I have more moments like this?”

Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Until next time…

Learn How To INgage

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