My cousin sent me this quote this afternoon, and it matches the idea I had yesterday for this post. I thought it'd be appropriate to title, as this quote is one of the most simple, poignant lessons in life.
As I was driving home yesterday, amoungst the usual "masshole" (sorry if that offends anyone) drivers, finding myself all worked up over my commute, a commercial came on the radio that got me thinking. It was for Wendy's, I believe, and the commercial was referencing how fast we all move on a daily basis. The man made a joke about how, we are moving so fast that when we stop to grab a bite to eat, we usually wind up burning the top of our mouths because we are rushing to eat so fast to get to the next thing. "Work, work, work, go, go go!" The commercial then states how buying a Wendy's salad somehow makes you stop and enjoy the delicious taste of the tender bites of chicken and walnuts, blah blah blah. I got to thinking. This job in particular, has allowed me to slow down from my life and lately, this has been my absolute focus.
I have realized, that growing up in an active, involved, fast paced family has in some ways shaped the life I lead in my adulthood. This is what I have always known. Go, go, go. Do, do, do. Produce, produce, produce. Frankly, I'd say about 90% of our nation operates under these same pretenses. It is no wonder why people have chronic pain, stress and irritability. Our nation has engrained in us that we should always be looking towards the next thing to come. The future. Out there is where things will be perfect, right? Forget about right now, what about 5 years from now? 10 years from now?
Well last week, my body had had enough. My mind was so full of future thoughts. Where is my life going, what uncertainties lie ahead, what is going to happen when I move, what does my future hold? These thoughts on top of my go, go, go mindset caused my body to physically react to the stress I have been putting on myself. I had about 4 days worth of migraine headaches, which quite honestly, are agonizingly horrible and something I have never experienced before. A trip to the doctor and a few calming thoughts later, I came to a major revelation in my life. I may not know much, but I do know this now. Life is merely a compilation of small moments, day by day. None of us know what lies ahead; whether we will become the next movie stars, president, lawyers, writers, sales people, dancers, artists, executives, teachers or public figures. Whether our hearts will be broken by someone, whether we will have children of our own, live in another state, or another country. Whether our economy will continue to downturn or rise and prosper again, or whether hatred will end and peace will prevail. Whether we will be plagued with illness at a young age, whether we will live till we are 100 years old or die tomorrow. All we can do is live each day to its fullest potential.
Recently, I decided for myself that each day I wake up from now on, I am going to ask myself...what will I do today to make this day really worth it? What truly makes me happy, and how (in a world that is so INCREDIBLY sped up) will I take the time to slow down and enjoy the small moments in my day that fill my heart with the love I give?
A wise person tells me everyday, to take things one day at a time. Perhaps I haven't truly understood this concept until now. Today, my joy will be in small, simple things. Meeting a friend for coffee in the sunshine on the grass. My drive home to CT and all the small moments I spend with myself in my car, listening to music and feeling the wind on my face. The glass of wine I will share with my parents over conversation on the deck. These small moments are now ways I consider how to slow down in this fast world we are a part of. Like that feeling of buying a brand new dress, that's just waiting to be worn in your closet. Make each moment like that feeling. Because life is only made up of moments that matter, and if we move too quick, we will miss them all.
I am choosing to take this wise person's advice. One day at a time. And if you ask me, its a good day so far.
No comments:
Post a Comment