I call it an “art” because its not as easy as you might think. It takes skill, practice, and discipline -all commodities in short supply with our time-strapped lifestyles. We’re so overwhelmed these days our minds are in perpetual motion to nowhere.

Work for the sake of work. Communicating with people thousands a miles away while ignoring those 5 feet away. Reaching out to new prospects only to ignore the loyal customers we already have.

So how did we get so busy? Easy. We let the line blur. We gave up our boundaries. We subconsciously adopted a 24/7 lifestyle because we somehow thought it might be “better”.

We hoped to fill the nagging void in our work,  personal lives, or both. We walked down this path looking for happiness, but ended up insatiable and still unhappy.

So what’s the missing puzzle piece? The magical key that will bring us happiness just standing still? This can only be answered by YOU.

If you’ve been chasing your “dream” for years and are still unhappy, stop for a second and ask yourself if that is really your dream? Or is it just a worthwhile distraction to keep you from dealing with the REAL issue?

If you’re looking for love, all the work in the world won’t fill that void. If you’re looking for approval from your parents, becoming President won’t cure your insecurities or suddenly deem you worthy. Sure these scenarios can help distract you from the reality and serve as an emotional band-aid. But you’re facing the inevitable, the band-aid will always have to come off.

Hate your job? Find a way out, change careers, down size to accommodate a simpler life doing what you LOVE. Disconnected from your kids? Make quality time with them a priority, open your heart and truly LISTEN to their needs. I guarantee you they would rather have a parent that takes time to play with them instead of the biggest house on the block.

Quit chasing after all the things that keep you “doing”

and find what makes you happy “being”.

“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.” Lao Tzu