Version 1: End-Hurry. Slow Down, You’re Moving Too Fast…

“End. Hurry.” I saw these words painted on the road while on my bike just ouside Killbear Provincial Park in Central Ontario. I assume they were in reference to some type of road race however it struck me that as we scurry around in our daily activities, it’s like we’re hurrying to get to the end. Our focus is on getting to the finish line. “Are we there yet?” It’s like we’re wishing our lives away. And we may not even know where there is… What do we really want? Sometimes we just have to slow down.

Here’s a simple exercise. Pause right now and looked around…what do you notice?

WAIT A MINUTE… slow down and pause a little longer…notice a little more…

Now, before you jump back into whatever you were doing a few moments ago, jot down what you noticed on a scrap of paper or in your phone somewhere. Take another 15 seconds and get curious about what might be possible with this new information. Perhaps something meaningful. Perhaps not.

Keep pausing, keep noticing and keep making notes. You might not have any great revelations immediately but by paying attention you will start to notice what matters to you. You just might come across the next big thing for you. Or perhaps simply enjoy a few simple pleasures, remember tasks you want to get done or just have a few moments to exhale. The action of writing it down will help you to see patterns and what captures your attention. Remember to try this exercise again and make it a new habit.

And the more you practice pausing, the more you will enjoy ‘no end in sight’. Unlimited possibility and accomplishment.

Version 2: End. Hurry. What Are You Waiting For?