We Don’t Slow Down To Enjoy Life And Smell The Flowers.

We don’t slow down to enjoy life and smell the flowers.

We slow down to get a sense of where we are going and why. 

To check if our directions are still aligned with what we ultimately want.

And that’s why so few of us slow down. 

Not because we are too busy or don't have enough time. 

No. It is because we are afraid. 

It is scary and painful to realize:

1. You don’t know what you ultimately want. 

You never took the time to figure it out. 

Instead, you lived out the plans that other people made for you. 

2. You are afraid to admit that you have NO CLUE how to get what you want. 

Or are too old to get started. 

Or too young. 

Or too rich. 

Or too poor. 

3. You lack the humility to start from scratch. 

And admit you are a beginner. 

And ask for help. 

4. You can no longer blame others for your inaction. 

You can't blame your boss for giving you too much work. 

You can't blame your family for taking all your time.

 You need to acknowledge that you choose your life. 

-> I would rather go very slowly towards where I want to be than run very quickly and very successfully towards things that matter little to me. 

-> I no longer want to collect false accolades and praise to distract myself from the fact that I am not living the life I want to live. 

When you overwork, ask yourself:

What painful or scary truth are you trying to outrun? 

Then do this:

1. Give yourself a hug. 

2. Remind yourself that you are on your own side and that you will be supporting yourself no matter what. 

3. Turn around and acknowledge what you are afraid to face. 

4. Celebrate that you chose the discomfort of knowing vs denial. 

You are brave, and you are loved, and you can do it.