Resolving to slow down

It seems that everyone is in an unspoken race to get more done faster. We’re increasingly impatient and in our efforts to rush, we miss so much.

This dawned on me while waiting to cross the street in Barcelona a few weeks ago. That’s right, wait. Not wait for the first opportunity to sprint across the street. My husband and I (and throngs of other people) stood on the corner until the light gave us the signal to cross. A few months earlier while visiting Copenhagen, I noticed no one crossed against the light – seriously, not one individual. It could have something to do with not wanting to get creamed by an oncoming bike, but maybe it goes deeper.

Seeing the same phenomenon in Spain, I ascertained there is a strong cultural difference between certain European countries and the States.

I noticed in Spanish restaurants, slow service isn’t viewed negatively. No one was getting up, irritated because it was taking too long for the coca bread to arrive at the table. People were enjoying each other’s company – talking, laughing and engaging. And it was beautiful, not to mention eye-opening. I want to be present in all aspects of my life, personally and professionally. Why should I always be considering “what’s next” instead of focusing on the “now”?

This summer, let’s resolve to slow down. Take the time to truly listen to our colleagues’ insightful ideas. Smile at someone while waiting to cross the street or standing on the subway platform (hint: this will require you to look up from your phone).

Thanks to my recent travels, I am making an effort to live and work in the moment. How often do you find yourself rushing through your life and not appreciating the here and now?