Moments, life is full of moments. If not for moments, time wouldn't exist. It takes a day's full of moments to deem it a day. And it's the quality of those moments that determines success. When we focus too much of our time on the "faster" we are at risk of "missing out". The old adage "you never hear the business man say before his death, 'I wish I would have spent more time in the office". We as a society must, and I mean must slow down! Now, I'm not speaking of the business world, I of all people understand the need to be current and up to speed, but we MUST not let the desire for speed seep into our personal lives. If the "need for speed" finds its way into your personal relationships, the end result will be relationships based on convenience, not substance. This includes all relationships, marriage, father, mother, sister, brother, daughter, son, friend, neighbor, employee, employer, co-worker, etc.
I have discovered some life principles that have allowed me to "savor" the moments in my life; I would like to share them with you in the next few paragraphs. I trust that as you ponder these principles, you will bring to mind the ones who are closest to you and re-discover the blessings you have been given.
Principle #1 - Perspective
Perspective is the tool that regulates the amount of sorrow or joy one feels. When we maintain a healthy perspective on life, we avoid the dramatic swings of emotions. The key to using perspective with your moments is to consider condition of those around you. Regardless of the moment, whether joyful or heart wrenching you have it pretty good. I know, hearing this in the midst of a turmoil filled circumstance is the last thing you want to listen to. It was through maintaining a healthy perspective in my most turmoil filled circumstance that I was and am able to overcome seemingly impossible odds. The tools of perspective maintenance are numerous and relative to the individual. You know your circumstance, you understand your plight, and I believe that you are capable of determining your perspective.
Principle #2 - Purpose
Purpose is the fuel for all action. Why do you do what you do? This is the most fundamental question we can ask of ourselves. Why do you coach your child's little league team? Why do you buy Christmas gifts for your spouse? Why do you commute to your office every day? What's your purpose? Maintaining a healthy purpose will assist you in savoring the moments that accomplish the purpose.
Principle #3 - Preparation
How does preparation fit into moment savoring? Great question, here's what I've learned. If we don't prepare our minds on a consistent basis to look for moments we miss them. When we daily prepare our minds to notice these precious moments we are more apt to take it all in. Take for example, when we attend a professional sporting event. Most of us, anticipate the events of that day, the tailgating, hot dogs, beer, chips, dip, nachos, cheering the wave, etc. We spend ample time preparing our minds and setting expectations. Well, why not translate that preparation to our daily lives. When you wake in the morning, prepare your mind for the experiences that follow. Keep your mind alert to the "great moments". As you commute home, prepare your mind for the greeting or welcome. Take special notice of your children's' facial expression as they see you. Just like anything in life, preparation is key to success. Prepare to savor the moments.
So, the days that followed my microwave experience were full of introspective thought. Thoughts of all the moments that I have let pass me by. Moments of Childhood, Fatherhood, Marriage, Family, Career, Friendship, Hardships, Joy, Happiness, and the list goes on and on. Like I mentioned earlier, life is full of moments. It's what we do these moments that provides us with fulfillment or discontentment. What moments are you letting pass by? Are you focusing too much of your attention on the speed of life instead of the value of life? My only advice to now is to take a breath, look around you and let the moment sink in. Wherever you are, the office, coffee shop, airport, home, ferry, train or plane, look around and let the moment sink in. What has brought you there? Look around and take notice of those around you. Consider their moments, their life stories and experiences. Let the moment sink in, take inventory and appreciate it. Savor all that you have been given. For you never know when the next moment will be your last.
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