Buy it, use it, break it, fix it,
Trash it, change it, mail – upgrade it,
Charge it, pawn it, zoom it, press it,
Snap it, work it, quick – erase it,
Write it, cut it, paste it, save it,
Load it, check it, quick – rewrite it,
Plug it, play it, burn it, rip it,
Drag and drop it, zip – unzip it,
Lock it, fill it, call it, find it,
View it, code it, jam – unlock it,
Surf it, scroll it, pause it, click it,
Cross it, crack it, switch – update it,
Name it, rate it, tune it, print it,
Scan it, send it, fax – rename it,
Touch it, bring it, Pay it, watch it,
Turn it, leave it, start – format it.
Song: Technologic
Lyrics by Daft Punk
The monotony of the song lyrics above mirrors the monotony of many peoples’ days.
“They” are completely overwhelmed. Frazzled. Unhappy. And sometimes unaware of it.
“They” are on the treadmill of life – going through motions, day after day, to get the work done, trying to stay on top of the email barrage, and attempting to spend some quality time with their families. “They” have hobbies and passions long forgotten or on a wish list crumpled in the bottom of a box somewhere in their office.
“They” don’t think about the treadmill of life they’re on because to do so would rock their world and force them acknowledge the crazy they have created in their lives and businesses.
“They” are obsessed with trying to know, do, and remember everything.
“They” look in the mirror and see bags under their eyes, the tired lines that get deeper each year.
Who are “they” anyway?
They are us. And it’s time to stop the madness.
In trying to live with and manage this overwhelm, we have become a nation of “just getting by.” We suffer from:
• Too much stuff, and not enough time to appreciate what we have
• 5,000 connections on social media, but a shortage of genuine relationships
• All the knowledge we could ever want, but precious little attention paid to what matters most (which is different for each of us, yet vitally important)
• Nearly unlimited resources to be, do, and have, yet suffer minute-by-minute from a poverty of attention and focus
How can we cope?
Easy – SIMPLIFY.
• Fewer possessions and more attention on the things we love (my favorite quote is, “Having nothing in your house [or office] that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” LIVE THAT
• Fewer connections “just because” and more intimate and personal time with the ones that matter
• Fewer moments of “go, go, go” and more time being considerate, thoughtful, deliberate, and discerning
• Less know-it-all, do-it-all, or have-it-all and more “enough.”
• Less doing. More being.
This week as spring is teasing us with warmer temperatures, take time to enjoy your precious family and friends. Connect with them meaningfully. Enjoy some quiet time. Donate items you never use. Spread some cheer. Compliment someone each day just because you see something wonderful about them. And most of all, slow down and savor the goodness that is your life!