Rest Stops

There’s a reason there are rest stops on highways, warming huts halfway down the mountain, breaks at ports of call and stopovers during migration. On every journey, there’s a need to remove oneself from the path and rest beneath the shade of trees. This moment of rest and renewal allows us to gather our energies; to look around and survey the territory ahead; to reflect on what went before. Committing to a journey does not happen only in that moment that we initially start off, amidst feelings of excitement, anxiousness and uncertainty. It happens each step of the way and to pause, however briefly, provides an opportunity to gain some perspective on the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead. As the journey continues, there is also an increased understanding, an alertness, and a better sense of the terrain ahead; of the trail already blazed. These pauses offer us a chance to reflect – to think about the questions and answers that inform the way we behave. It is inherently an act of leadership to be conscious of the way we are in the world and the way we impact others.

We are meaning seekers - the act of making meaning is a uniquely human ability. If it is not you that makes meaning of the precious time and energy you choose to spend, then you surrender that autonomy to someone else less able because no one in this life can be you as well as you can. It is your journey after all and your opportunity to make a difference not only for yourself but for others

Take some time today to reflect upon the meaning you attribute to your life and/or the activities of your life - you might be surprised to find that some "rest" from the noise might actually bring the nugget of clarity, wisdom or courage you were in need of but could not access with the radio, computer alerts, phone ringing or TV blaring in the background!

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose." Robert Byrne