06 Oct Stopping to Be Happy

Stopping to Be Happy

Black-capped Chickadee

Birds are experts at stopping.

Even the most active birds, such as this Black-capped Chickadee, will stop.

So what do birds do when they stop?

They rest.

They observe.

And they do nothing, which for a bird is really nothing.

There’s a message here for us: We need to practice stopping.

Why?

Because life is not a hamster-wheel contest that you win by running faster.

Instead, life is an experience. More so, it’s an experience that reflects your choices.

So true success comes from making good choices every day.

And by the way, humans are designed to make good choices based on compassion for all. That’s because good choices are essential for survival: Happy people perform better, live longer, and contribute more to the future of humanity.

The point is: You will make better choices when you stop to: a) Rest, b) Consider consequences, and c) Act for the greatest good.

In contrast, you will make terrible choices when you are rushed, frightened, or desperate.

And this is why stopping matters.

When you stop, you can reflect. Then you can review and prioritize your options.

Of course, you can also stop to rest, breathe, and enjoy being alive.

So try stopping.

For example, you might stop for a second to focus. Or stop for a minute to rest. Or stop for an hour to read.

You’ll find that this helps you feel better about your day.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

Did You Know?

The most effective way to help birds is to buy land.

Please visit the web site for The Trust for Public Land to learn about what they’re doing.

You can help – Please share this blog with others.

Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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