Hurry

I now believe ‘process’ is amazing, but I wasn’t always in agreement.

You see, society made me think otherwise. If I could finish a test faster — and better — than anyone growing up, I won. If I was able to get my work done more quickly and get home to my family, I was being a better father and husband. If I ate my meals more quickly, this gave me more time to focus on “what was important” for the day. If I became successful faster than my peers, I had a better chance of a “happy” life.

Then, I woke up dying. My soul — or the part of me that is far bigger than me — slapped me upside down, made it abundantly clear I was no longer on my directed life path, and laid me out for months. During that time period, I attempted to speed up recovery and get out of bed sooner, for longer, no matter what feat of effort it required.

Fast forward, I continued on my path of impatience, as I began to learn the medical skills that were needed to help me recover, but for others. This “magic”, as I like to call it, was something I wanted to know everything about, right now.

Only recently did I stop and take a deep breath, reconsider ‘process’ over ‘outcome’ and make adjustments to my thinking and being. Only recently did I begin to understand the discovery process is at least as fun as the end-goal. Only recently have I acknowledged that growing and learning is tremendous fun, and burning curiosity creates passion for life. Only recently have I come to the conclusion that I’ve been racing to death, rather than enjoying the moment.

I wish to share with you one of my greatest life lessons, one I learned as a small child and managed to forget: love this moment, and when the next one arrives, love ‘it’ also.

Today’s thought exercise:
Why are you hurrying? And would it ultimately change the outcome if you kicked back a little, enjoyed the process, and watched yourself reach your goals, one moment at a time?

Sent to you with love, compassion, and gratitude,