Slow Down. You’re Missing Life

We all know being busy isn’t the same as being productive. It’s a lie that’s damaged many great leaders.

There’s another lie many leaders face. It’s the lie that they don’t have enough time to spend with those that matter the most.

That’s a lie from the pit of hell, if you ask me.

We need to be willing to slow down. We’re missing life when we’re going here, there, and everywhere while ignoring the most important parts of life.

Over the past couple of months I’ve realized that my life has been on autopilot going a million miles an hour in directions that I’m not controlling. It’s left me feeling dazed and confused.

Life happened and it’s gotten the best of me.

I lost my dog (and he was a great dog). We had to take my wife to the emergency room. My dad made multiple trips to the ER. And Pam’s mom entered the hospital.

And now I have regrets. Things I can’t revisit and fix.

The busyness of life caught me in a whirlwind. Leaving me with feelings I can’t shake.

I can no longer:

Take a stroll with Zane

Sneak him an extra snack

Run til we can run no more, and have to walk back to the house

Pet his belly

Or any other activity I enjoyed with him

I feel I didn’t do these things with him enough. It hurts knowing I won’t be able to anymore either.

However, it’s a great reminder that there are things in my life that are still here. And I need to be present for. I can’t let the busyness overtake the time I have with those I love and care for.

I can still:

Hold my wife close

Whisper to her and tell her how much I love her

Go out for a night on the town

Visit my mom and dad

Invite family and friends over for a cookout or bonfire

Walk with our other dog Leviticus

Let Leviticus lick our plates clean

Spend a Sunday at Pam’s parents house

These activities may seem calm and mundane. But I’m telling you, they’re your lifeblood.

The simple activities we do. The actions we take with the ones we love. Those are the important moments in life.

Busyness has a way of sneaking into our lives and sucking away the things that make our lives worth living.

Please, slow down today. Smell the roses. Stroll through the woods. Enjoy some time with your family and friends.

Things can wait at the office or business. Don’t neglect those that matter the most.

Question: What have you missed because you’ve been too busy to slow down? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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