Hello and welcome to Friday, September 17, 2021. Today is a rare and precious day that will never come again.
A couple weeks ago, I was wandering around Best Buy trying to locate someone to help me find a new computer keyboard. I apologetically interrupted a salesperson working with another customer and asked for some assistance. I was politely instructed to go “stand on a blue dot in front of the register and someone will be right with me.” Be right with me? Not so much.
I had been standing there only about five minutes when another shopper found their socially distanced little blue dot right behind mine. I was first in line. It wasn’t long before I started hearing some exaggerated exhaling coinciding with inaudible mumbles. This grumbling very soon turned into clearly recognizable verbalizations of discontent. One such expression suggested that he needed to be given a “.…ing break!” Under my breath I uttered, “that’s exactly what you’re getting - a break.”
Throughout our busy day, we yearn for a break in the action. In fact, we expect our employers to provide us with brief respites, preferably paid. Yet, when offered the unexpected opportunity in the form of a long line, we fret, moan, and complain about having to wait.
How many travelers say something to the effect of, “I’m waiting for my flight?” When at the airport, why don’t we instead take a little time to relax until our plane arrives?
We often beg the universe for a moment to pause, to just take it easy for a few minutes so that we can catch our breath. However, it seems this break must be on our terms. When we walk into a bank, for example, and see the line maze filled with other time-conscious customers, we often anxiously tap our foot, wring our hands, and long for our turn so that we can hurry up and get on with our day.
I get it, we have a lot on our plates and need every moment of the day to tackle our to-do lists. Being too busy is a significant part of our problem. Nevertheless, with a change in perspective, the inevitable line rides, traffic, slow moving grocery clerks, and delayed planes, are all opportunities to take that break that we so desperately need.
These pauses are a part of life and are going to happen whether you want them to or not. How you respond is up to you. You never need to wait another moment in your life. The choice is yours. So, go ahead and take that break, even if you didn’t ask for it.
If you’re interested in building a daily mindfulness practice that can assist you in overcoming your waiting tendencies, I’m here to help. I’m currently accepting clients for both in-person and online Mindfulness-based coaching/mentoring.
You are Loved by me, Unconditionally!
Dan
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