I like to go fast. I enjoy speed.
I appreciate driving a little faster than I should. I get ahead of myself in my own thinking and feeling. I am driven to keep moving ahead, meeting challenges, finding answers, going forward. Stopping would be boring.
Stopping feels irresponsible.
Stopping becomes just one more thing in my way, one more obstacle to overcome.
Even when I recognize that I need to stop, I have many ways of distracting myself. I can spend time writing, or reading, or reflecting, which can feel like stopping and give me enough momentum to start again. I can fool myself into believing that I have stopped long enough and give myself permission to continue. I can stop for the shortest possible time, and then speed up to get back to where I should be.
Life is filled with beginning, continuing, and stopping. Stopping is part of the journey.
Stopping is important. It is more than an irritant on our paths toward our goals. Learning how to stop well, and practicing, is as important as learning and practicing how to begin or continue well.
Stopping can remind us that we are not earning our way. The wonders and possibilities that surround us do not depend on our own effort and control. Stopping can be a way to recognize our own true place in the world.
Stopping can give us opportunities to experience things we miss when we just keep going all the time. We sacrifice incredible sights, sounds, tastes, aromas, and friendships that could help shape us as we rush to achieve our goals.
Stopping can open our lives to receiving what we need.
When is the last time you came to a complete stop?
Where is your true place in the world?
[Image by misteraitch]
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