My GPS Gave Me an Opportunity to Practice My New Life Mantra: Slow down and be present.
Take Pen to Paper: Edition 28
I had a plan for my unusually busy Friday.
First, an early doctor’s appointment. Then I would have enough time to grab some breakfast back home and go to my latest adventure in art. (I wrote about that in my March 9th post.) Last, I would get home just in time to wait for an afternoon delivery that required a signature.
My plan fell apart when I relied on the GPS to guide me to the doctor.
Having moved around a lot, I seem to be in a perpetual state of learning my way around. When you go to the doctor once a year in an area 30 minutes away from home, the GPS gets programmed.
I should have known better.
I’d forgotten on previous visits my GPS didn’t know where the office was. I turned onto the turnpike, and after a mile, I realized my (or the GPS’s) mistake.
I was going to be late.
I executed a u-turn to start driving the two miles back to the doctor’s office. That’s when it hit me.
When we get busy, it’s easy to lose our mindfulness and plan to be present in our actions.
Why was I worried about being late?
With my new life mantra of “slow down and be present,” did it really matter if I was late? I don’t like to inconvenience the doctor or myself, but the worst that would happen would be to reschedule for another day.
I felt the stress leave my body at this thought.
The office staff didn’t even acknowledge that I was four minutes late. With my reminder to be present, the day went on without any snags unless you count the afternoon package being delivered in the morning. (They didn’t care if they had a signature.)
I can’t control the actions of others.
I can control my mindfulness of being present. Each time I make a conscious effort, I’m one step closer to creating a habit.
7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good
Slowing down and being present allows you to notice the little things. I saw this cherry blossom petal resting in a shrub on my walk today. 🌸
Gratitude can replace feelings of frustration. Instead of feeling frustrated with my GPS, I was grateful for the opportunity to observe the landmarks and learn my way to the doctor.
Mistakes can be good. That’s how we learn. Lucky for us, we never stop making mistakes, so we have many opportunities to learn.
If you admire philosophy, you may be happy to know you’re in good company when making mistakes, as this article about some Greek philosophers explains.
Have you ever thought about how maps were developed? This 7-minute video on the Origin of the World Map gives a brief overview. 🗺
Running late in traffic might make you feel like you’re in this baby race. Should I apologize for sending this just-shy-of-a-minute rabbit hole? 🐰
With the beginning of baseball season ⚾, this timely piece reminds us of empathy and action. We need more of this.
Thank you for reading!
Try practicing “slow down and be present.” Let me know your experience.
❤
-Susan
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