Small and Simple Things

Scott Schwab:
With the beautiful weather that we are having today, it got me thinking about the little things that I am missing out on. I was driving down the road and saw kids lying on their backs looking up at the sky, kids running and playing, jumping on the tramp, and also kids working the lemonade stand.

When was the last time that you went outside and layed on the grass? How about just getting out and running around, joined a pick up game, or shot some hoop? I dont need to ask you the last time you had a lemonade stand, but I did one last week and it was very profitable. Just kidding. However, when was the last time that you fearlessly tried something that just seemed like a good idea? When was the last time you were a kid?

Obviously the stakes are higher now, but it shouldn't stop us from enjoying the small and simple things! Our lives are so busy and there is rarely time to slow down the pace and relax and enjoy. With the weather turning, we will be able to get outside more and start enjoying the weather. Through the hybernation period of winter, most of us will put on some unhealthy weight. Many of us even made the goal at the first of the year to lose some weight and exercise more. However, dont fret, lets dig in and make it happen now.

The 8 week challenge is ending in 2 weeks. That is not a lot of time in the grand scheme of things, but here are some things that you can do in 2 weeks if you dedicate yourself.

-lose 5 pounds
-start an exercise routine
-Finish a put-off project
-take a mini vacation
-decrease your dependancy on an addiction
-learn a new skill

Unfortunately at times we look at our day and think we have no time to do anything worthwhile. Most of our time is work, responsibility, and media. Start setting your goals to decrease the time that you have with things that really wont matter tomorrow. Your health, however, does matter. Invest the time now, so that you can be healthy later. As we age, our ability to keep weight off and be active decreases. That is, unless you position yourself to be healthy and happy now.

In short, get outside and enjoy those simple things. Run because you can, not because you have to. Go on a walk, ride a bike, or just lay on the grass and dream. Give your body a chance to relax and reenergize. Doing the small and simple things allows your body to do just that. Also use your time wisely, because you can never get it back. If we waste time now, we do not get it back. Now I am not a proponent of never kicking back and enjoying yourself, but I do think that many of us, myself included, waste time with things that wont matter tomorrow. Spend the time with the people and activities that will advance others and yourself. Good luck with the last 2 weeks of the challenge, and get ready for the next challenge that will begin in May.