They say you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their shoes, the miles they’ve walked, the journey that lays ahead and so on. It’s a motto that’s been drilled into our heads, yet despite the old adage, how often does a person stop and look down… or up for that matter? How often do we take a moment for ourselves, to slow down and observe everything around us?
One way to be in the present moment is by noticing your surroundings, yet so many people are caught up in the past or the future. It’s too easy to worry about what happened yesterday or fret about what will happen tomorrow. What affect does this have on one’s life? Is that even a way to live?
I found myself floundering about what to write for this very post. As I stared at my blank piece of paper, pen in hand, all I could think was how much I needed to get done before I picked up the kids from Summer Camp. All the unfinished chores around the house, the offer I submitted for my latest buyer, the supplies I needed to get for my painting class next week. Thought after thought… and none of it pertaining to the task at hand.
Then it dawned on me. Why does every day have to an exercise in survival? It’s too easy to get lost in the hustle of life and get so caught up in your own inertia, you forget to take a moment for yourself… to simply slow down and ENJOY.
As I stopped to ponder this, a brightly colored Cardinal flew by my window and perched on the bush in front of my home. I was taken aback by its splendor, the vivid red feathers and bright orange beak against the cool green background. This bird was so close, I could see every detail. See its stomach go up and down with each breath, the individual feathers ruffled by the wind and the glint of its eye. Did the bird notice I was there? Was it bothered that I was intruding on its moment?
Sitting peacefully, seemingly without a care in the world, I envied this bird. Then I realized, had I continued to get caught up in all those little problems I created for myself, I would have missed this moment. Missed seeing that beautiful bird, perched up in my bush. Was he a reminder from a loved one? “It’s time to slow down Tif!” Perhaps? Or perhaps it was entirely coincidental, either way it was a beautiful moment and mine alone to enjoy.
It’s time to stop prioritizing the chaos of life. Embrace the now and most importantly, embrace yourself. Remember to slow down occasionally and live in the present. Take the time to appreciate where you are, what you’re doing and who is with you. Savor each moment as it passes, because before you know it… it will be too late. To quote Ferris Bueller: "Life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
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