PAUSE – 11.42 – Well! Well! Well!
REFLECTION: Every once in a while, I stumble across goofy lists of antiquated laws. Here are a few of my most recent finds. In Denver, Colorado, it was once unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor. In New York, it was unlawful to walk around with an ice cream cone in your pocket on Sunday. In North Dakota, it was against the law to fall asleep with your shoes on.
Now as to whether these laws are still in place or not, I cannot testify. Presumably at the time the laws were written and passed, the rules made perfect sense to somebody. Years later, we find ourselves stuck in a time warp with behavior guides that have long outlived their usefulness.
As easy as it can be to chuckle at the seeming absurdities of the behaviors of others, it’s much tougher to look at our own ‘life rules’, habits and guidelines with an inquiring mind and eye.
ACTION: Does it make sense to keep circling the parking lot trying to find a spot close to the mall entrance when what we really need in our lives is more exercise, not less?
Does it make sense to insist that youngsters do their homework before they head out to play, when what they really need after 6 hours of doing their best to still in class is a shot of fresh air, exercise and buddy time?
Does it make sense to keep stocking the snack cupboard with chips and cookies, when what we really need for better health is more fruits and vegetables?
Sometimes the goofy factor lives closer to home than we might think.
Are there any rules, habits or personal by-laws that need a re-think to shift the wellness quotient in your world?
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day.” – Abraham Lincoln
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Here’s a useful article on “Tips For Breaking Bad Habits & Developing Good Habits”.
READERS WRITE: In response to last week’s message, Is You There Or Is You Not, Pause reader KE writes: “What a wonderfully authentic post, Pat. I really appreciate your transparency. I like to imagine how the world would be different if we took more time to be truly present with one another. Your post and your honesty are great reminders that it starts with me.”
Tags: burnout, health, learning, overload, overwhelm, Pat Katz, Patricia Katz, pause, perspective, Saskatoon, speaker, stress, wellness