ThriveWisely

Today, I came across this from Lao Tzu:

‘If you know when to stop, you’ll suffer no harm. And in this way you can last a very long time.’

As usual, it was the right message at the right time. I mentioned in an earlier post that life has been very full recently–lots of good stuff with some tough stuff mixed in as well. I explained to a friend of mine just the other day that my ‘problem’ is that I find so many things fascinating and I’m curious what it would be like to be a part of those things. At present, coaching a high school speech team, facilitating interfaith conversations, running for the MCA board again, and a host of other fantastic opportunities beckon. What to choose? Great options all. And, my default is to say yes in every instance, which is way more often than is optimal. The result, of course, is that my energy is spread thin; it’s a challenge to be in the present moment and relish what is in front of me; and I teeter on the edge of wacko.

So then, to be reminded of the wisdom in stopping was welcome; to be reminded that taking the long view offers endurance; and to be reminded that not everything has to happen right now invites calm. That’s definitely a different view than from the edge of wacko.