Where in your life are you moving faster than fast, where you know if you slow down things will be fabulous? How would your day look if you didn't run on full throttle all the time? How would it look if you took your foot off the gas completely? Where can you be more present for yourself, for others and for the world?
I do everything fast! I talk fast, I walk fast, I eat fast, and I move fast. I get a lot done, yet I also create a lot that needs to be re-done because I’m moving at the speed of light. I make mistakes and messes and sometimes forget important things.
I thought I was on a call about a week ago only to learn afterwards that I wasn’t – now how did that happen? I was so busy, moving fast and getting other things done that I didn’t even know I wasn’t present for it. Ah! There it is – that word, present! What does it mean? Present: ‘there, here, in attendance' and the antonym is absent! And guess what my moving at the speed of light did – it really made me absent from what I was doing.
Being present for yourself and others in the world is a gift – a gift of you! So for the month of June, I have (much to the pleasure of those around me) made a conscious choice to be in the present when I am in the present. This means listening to whoever is talking (no multitasking or thinking about a response or worse, what I need to do next), being mindful with the tasks that I am involved in (no watching the clock or wishing time away) and taking a few moments to breathe, relax and be aware of my surroundings.
I’ve been working at this for a couple of weeks and let me tell you – I see a whole new world! Am I still getting things done, you bet! And believe it or not -- now, hold on to your hat – I’m getting more things done. It seems when you take your time and are present in what you are doing, you don’t make a) mistakes and b) messes! This is a whole new thing for me and it is fabulous. The three values that are highest on my list right now are freedom, peace of mind and happiness. This 'being present' is bringing me more freedom, peace of mind and way more happiness!
Not only that, but I’ve had some amazing conversations with my family, friends, clients and prospective clients just because I’ve slowed down to listen and be present with them. I no longer feel anxiety throughout my body and my muscles are no longer tight and cramping. I have more energy because I am breathing deeper and focusing on how I am feeling internally. I can easily stop the madness even before it starts; which before was an amazing feat and now is becoming second nature.
With each article I write, I like to pose questions for you to begin taking small steps to change your life as well. Remember, I am a DOer – I’ll do or have done whatever I ask you to do, too. And I like to share what I’ve done to inspire and show you that I’ve gotten such great benefits and results, and so can you!
So question time: Where in your life are you moving faster than fast, where you know if you slow down things will be fabulous? How would your day look if you didn't run on full throttle all the time? How would it look if you took your foot off the gas completely? Where can you be more present for yourself, for others and for the world?
When I teach my group exercise classes, I sequence the workout so that my clients are in the present moment focusing on the movements and the muscles they are working. Many remark at the end of the class "Wow, that went by so fast, I didn’t even realize that we were just about finished." That’s because they were present. They were in a zone. There really is - as I am finding out, and as you will too - no better place to be!
The First Step To Being Yourself Is To Know Yourself
Are you living your life the way you want to? Remember, the first step to being yourself is to know yourself.
Lead Yourself to Mastery in Your Life and Business
When we master something we get a sense of satisfaction, we feel proud and we are excited about it. It is such a great feeling. That is why aiming toward mastery gives you the anticipation that you are working toward controlling your life, your business and ultimately your destiny. Wouldn’t you want to hold the position of mastery in your life? I know I sure do!
So... What Do I Do Now?
We agree to do things for many reasons which are usually valid at the time when we say yes. However then often we have time to think about it and realize a 'no' would have been the best choice.
