Stop - Look - Listen

Stop. Look. and Listen! From children’s shows to the family dinner table and lessons from school, children have learned to stop, look, and listen before crossing the street. Three very simple words rooted in our minds for traffic safety. And when we take a closer look, they additionally apply so well to everyday living. How often do we stop, look, and listen as we go about our daily routine? Routine, in itself, lends to a more of a mindless set of habitual behavior requiring very little thought. Why do we need to pay attention to sipping coffee in the morning or savor the daily farewells like “have a good day” and “I love you.” In particular, how often do you notice the ongoing internal dialogue you have with yourself? What are the messages in your silent whispers?

What do you mutter to yourself when you first wake up in the morning? Without realizing it, you set the tone for your daily perspective. It truly doesn’t matter which side of the bed you step out from. What you whisper under your breath will frame your thoughts, behaviors, and reactions. I encourage you to take a moment, observe, and listen to your thoughts or breath whispers. Even at this very moment, what are you thinking as you read? Engage yourself in the small breaks of your day and observe your surroundings as you take your next water break at work or school. Intentionally choose to smile at yourself with your internal words and observe what happens when you reflect your thoughts in an outward way. May you find blessings, enthusiasm, and extra energy today.