We live in a world where we are constantly on the go. We are adamant about getting our tasks done as quickly as possible so that we can start the next thing on the list and this becomes an endless cycle. We are so caught up in our daily lives and all the things that we need to get done that we hardly ever take the time to just stop and bask in the moment. We hardly ever embrace the necessity of rest and this has proven to be detrimental to our mental and physical health. Why is this so? Our culture tells us successful people are multi-taskers who are constantly engaged, accessible and fast reactors. However, there are countless issues that arise when we function like this. We are burnt out, drained and miserable.
Life would be so much more fulfilling if we intentionally choose to just pause and embrace the little things. The sweet smelling flowers we briskly walk by every morning and evening, the beautiful wall art on the side of the road that we drive pass every day or even the sunset and the peaceful ocean we pass quite often after a long day at work. It is understandable that human beings strive off routine and because of that, we can get distracted or even be blind to the more meaningful things in life but the little things will make us realize that this is what life is about, this is what it means to be alive. These are the things that allow our minds to be renewed, restored and be more productive.
It is imperative that in whatever we do, we take the time to soak it all up. Every second we spend with the people we love, every minute we spend completing a job that we are passionate about, every hour of the day that we are gifted with life should be acknowledged and cuddled with an appreciative heart. Pause to acknowledge the fulfillment and joy these little things bring to you and others. Pause to embrace the satisfaction of the process it took to get it all done. As Jim Elliot posits, “Wherever you are, be all there.” Do not just be there for the sake of getting the job done or being around people because you were invited. Be present, be engaged, we owe it to ourselves to enjoy the beauties of this life in any and every way we can, while we can.
As many can agree, the past year has forced us to slow down and examine all the things we took for granted. Going out to socialize with friends and family, to shop, eat and speak without a mask in public, a small gesture such as hugging someone, to breathe in fresh air without worrying about getting sick. Before, we would have deemed these things as ‘simple’ or ‘little’ and now it seems to be the very root of our daily frustration and agony.
Life is definitely more rewarding when we live purposefully in the present. Whatever it is that you are doing, or wherever you are, be all there! Instead of thinking of what is next, think about what is. Ricard Bach once said, “The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.” Always remember to bask in the moment.
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