Walk Don't Run

Walk Don’t Run

Tim Connor

If you are over fifty years old I’m sure you are familiar with that old song, Walk Don’t Run.  If not, no problem just keep reading.

Far too many people are rushing through life and heading nowhere.  Whether it’s behind the wheel, rushing through meetings or the lack of patience when it comes to life’s everyday circumstances.

If you are a walker and not a jogger you get it – It’s not where you are headed, but the value of getting exercise as well as enjoying the trip.  No disrespect intended to joggers - it’s just that when we are only focused on or concerned about the destination we often lose the value of the present moments and all they have to offer.

I am not really concerned here whether you walk or jog, but how are you going through life – walking or running.

Let me give you an example that you might relate to.

I’m reminded of one of my all time favorite songs, Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin.  Again if you are under fifty you might not be aware of these poignant lyrics.  Every time I listen to the words tears flood my eyes as memories of long ago come rushing back into my mind.

We are each given a certain number of days to live and no one knows how many they will get so in the end all we can do is live each of them to the best of our ability.  This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enjoy our memories or have plans and goals for the future, but in the end memories are just that - something that happened in the past that we can’t relive or re-experience and there are no guarantees that our future plans will ever be realized.

Walking simply means slowing down your pace regardless of the activity; a family vacation, the pursuit of an education or new career or in my case writing this article.  To rush things (this article in particular) would tend to reduce its value or meaning for you (that could be your interpretation no matter how long or how quickly I write it).  But over the years I have learned that often a slower pace improves the outcomes or the results as I bring more contemplation and patience to the process whether writing a new book or just a short article.

Why do we run rather than walk through life?  Is it the desire for more, better, shorter or some other emotional or intellectual reasons?

Why do we sacrifice the blessings of our now moments hoping that in the end if we run rather than walk we will get to experience more?

The answers could be and most likely are complicated and will depend on each person’s lifestyle, age, circumstances and goals, but in the end losing the joy of our present moments no matter what we are doing – working, playing, relaxing or even praying is a sacrifice we will one day regret.

Let’s look back on the time that hs passed already during this year regardless of number of days or weeks that have passed.

Did you miss spending quality time with a loved one?

Did you lose focus on an important task due to your “rush” mindset?

Do you have any regrets at all – minor or major?

When you think about yesterday (or yesterdays) do you smile or feel stress, disappointment or sadness?

Have you spent the right amount of time on your plans or goals of the future?

Do you wish your days were longer or didn’t pass so quickly?

I could go on and on with these, but I’ll leave you with one;

When you evaluate or contemplate your life to date are you satisfied and content or is something missing? Or, are you running rather than walking through life?

“Patience and diligence, like faith, remove mountains.”

W. Penn