It's About Time Ruth Wong

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Savor those good things

ARE YOU working more now and enjoying it less? A client, who is responsible for large, critical projects at work and has been putting in long hours plus weekends, bemoaned to me that when he got home tired after the long day, he still had to walk his dogs.

Since I couldn't give any relief for his work schedule, I suggested that he look at his dog-walking chore from a new perspective -- how pleasant it was to be out in the cool night air, to be physically fit and able to walk, and to enjoy the companionship of his dogs. In other words, I encouraged him to savor the moment.

Being in the "now" is one way to instill some pleasure into a busy life. That requires isolating the present moment from what has gone on before (for him, a long, grueling day at work) from what's ahead (another long, grueling day at work).

I think that no matter what one's life is like, there are always moments to savor. It might be the satisfaction that comes from seeing the answer to a perplexing problem or sharing a fun moment with a co-worker or family member; or the delicious smell of coffee or cookies baking.

FOR ME it's the purr of my cat or a beautiful sunset. I also savor the times when I'm driving and hitting all green lights! Or when I've gained new insight and inspiration. I try to notice, enjoy and appreciate those little moments that would otherwise pass unnoticed.

Someone has said that we don't remember days, we remember moments. How true that is!

For many of us, time is flying and our days are a blur. It's as if time is a galloping horse, and some days we're holding on for dear life. We get through a busy day, get some sleep, wake up and start all over again. It's already October, and many of us are wondering where the other nine months have gone!

When life is too busy, the common advice is to slow down and simplify. That's easier said than done, and sometimes not immediately possible nor practical -- for example, if you're a key employee responsible for clients and projects with hard deadlines, or if you're a single parent working full time with a home and children to care for.

I encourage you, in the midst of your busyness, to savor the moments. Take time to notice, enjoy and appreciate the special moments in your day. By doing so, our lives and work can be more pleasant and gratifying.

Happy savoring! See you in two weeks!