Don’t Be in a Rush
March 6, 2020
Categories: Happiness
As I traveled home the other day, the train was packed. All the seats were taken, so I had to stand by the door, next to a man in a suit. It wasn’t the most comfortable commute home.
At my train stop, I had to squeeze by a few folks to get out the door. The man in the suit did likewise, and seemed frustrated by the crowded situation. He made a “Humph” noise, and quickly passed me on his way to the stairs.
When he got to the stairs, I noticed he took the stairs two steps at a time. Pretty soon, he was far ahead of me. He definitely wasn’t wasting any time.
Here’s another thing I noticed about the man in the suit: He didn’t look very happy.
Being in a Rush
I think there might be a negative association between being in a rush and being happy. When you are in a rush, you are not satisfied with the present situation. When you are in a hurry, you are not okay with the way things are right now. When you are pressing, you are anxious to get to the next thing.
The Present Moment
An important aspect of happiness, I think, involves the exact opposite: being satisfied with the present moment, being okay with the way things are right now, and taking in the beauty and goodness that just is.
Go Slow
The next time you are walking to a particular destination, try deliberately walking more slowly than you usually do. Maybe ½ speed. Try to look around, and notice what is going on around you. The next time you are driving somewhere, stay in the right lane and drive the speed limit. Enjoy the music or news program you are listening to. Call a friend. Whatever you decide to do, just don’t be in a rush to get past it.
We are only given one life. Let’s not spend each moment rushing on to the next one.
Discussion
What is one area of your life in which you are usually in a rush? What would it look like to slow down a bit?
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I typically will work right up to a scheduled meeting and then RUSH to the meeting room to arrive exactly at the scheduled time. I don’t want to be early, I don’t want to be late. “I want to make the most of my time.” hmmmm, maybe if I gave myself even three minutes to walk slowly to the meeting I’d have the freedom to chat with someone on the way? to catch my breadth?
I need to slow down in the mornings. I find myself rushing to get the kids ready and to school in the morning. But if I woke up a little earlier or got lunches made the night before I wouldn’t need to rush so much in the morning. Thanks for the reminder, Josh!
Thanks for sharing guys. John, I do the same thing, wanting to maximize my time. I wonder if the small amount of time I save is worth the extra stress. Ashley, I don’t know how you do it with four kids! Let me know how that goes. (And yes, I miss you guys and am due for a visit!)