"Slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make the [moment] last!"

Do you ever hear that nagging voice that says, "Stop!" "Slowdown!" "Meditate" "Breathe" "Enjoy your kids while they're still young"?

What is the wisdom here for you in that nagging voice? We tend to ignore this wisdom and forge ahead. We have places to go, committees to run, projects to do - we don't have time to slow down!

Expense ~

But, at what expense? What is the cost TO YOU if you don't slow down? Peace, balance, health? Are you taking time to look at the amazing flowers, enjoy a cook out with friends and family, play a game of badminton with your children, soak up the warmth of the sun, or read a good summertime book?

Slow Down This Week ~

How can you slow down this week, take care of yourself, and nurture yourself? It doesn't have to be a substantial amount of time, perhaps just taking a few hours off from your merry-go-round life style.

The benefits will be significant ~

When you take the time to slow down and nurture yourself and your spirit, the benefits will be significant. Your productivity will increase, your relationships with others will improve, your family will be happier because you are happier, and you will feel calmer, healthier and refreshed.

As Dr. Phil McGraw says "We're like bank accounts: If we only make withdraws (carpooling, working late, etc) we wind up emotionally and physically bankrupt. We all must make regular deposits to our minds, souls, and bodies. You must take time for you."

My challenge to you ~

Therefore, I offer you a challenge - to create 2 ways that you can slow down this week and make a deposit into YOUR personal "bank account." A few ideas include:

Explore your state without a map

Have a clambake on the beach

Learn to fish

Meditate by the moonlight

Play hide and seek with your children

Take an afternoon off and play golf or visit a museum with someone who inspires you

Drink a cup of iced tea under a shade tree

Swim in a lake

Take your spouse/loved one on a "mystery date" - surprise them with dinner at a special restaurant, a boat ride on the river, and dancing

"Don't hurry, don't worry. You're only here for a short visit. So be sure to stop and smell the flowers." Walter C. Hagen

Lori Woodhouse, MSW, Life Coach, is dedicated to helping men and women create balance, fulfillment, direction and success in their personal and professional lives. To sign up for Lori's monthly newsletter: http://www.loriwoodhouse.com/newsletter.html

To learn more about Life Coaching and Free Teleclasses: http://www.loriwoodhouse.com

Copyright 2005 Lori Woodhouse