I witnessed this phenomenon yesterday at the post office: Somewhere Else!

Standing in line, I noticed the patrons behind me shifting and silently “hurrum-phing.” I interpreted their behavior as wanting to be somewhere other than where they were: waiting in line.

I recognized the pattern because I have executed it so many times myself – wanting to be somewhere other than where I am. There is an unsettled feeling that goes along with that mindset.

I could almost read their thoughts: “I only have a half hour for lunch and I’m spending it here.” “I’ve got 15 other things to do.” “Can’t they have more people at the counter?” We’ve all been there, but not really there.

The next time you find yourself waiting in line, notice your thoughts, then take a deep breath and exhale slowly and recognize exactly where you are. Notice the things around you: the people, their clothing, the surroundings, the temperature, the feeling in your feet, the conversations people are having. In short, experience where you are.

It will get you out of your head. Your head is the only part of you that’s somewhere else. Your body is standing in line and you’re ignoring that experience.

Notice I didn’t say you have to like standing in line; just experience it with your senses rather than yak about it in your head. It will ground you where you are and you’ll avoid the being “somewhere else” dread.

All the best,

John

The Grasshopper said something obvious this morning: “Regrets indicate you are looking backwards.”

We all have regrets, but keeping the focus on them for too long has them morph into drama – which is the number one killer of moving forward.

Drama puts Gorilla Glue® on forward movement. That’s because we’re focused on the past vs. the present, and the present is where all movement happens.

I think it would be productive to sing along with Frank Sinatra for a couple of bars: “Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again too few to mention.”

Imagine if you will two people sitting around talking ad nauseam about all their loses. That’s a conversation I want to run away from. If there is something to be learned by reviewing a loss, I’m all for it, but if it’s just a trip down Bad Memory Lane, I think that’s insane.

I once heard Jerry Stocking say, “Judge quickly.” I took that to mean that we all judge, so do it and get it over with. Because if you hang with a judgement too long, it too turns into drama. So, “Regret quickly.” Let it have its say and then get on with your day.

I think a lot of people believe if they don’t regret, they’ll forget. Quoting one of my dearly departed teachers, “You don’t need to go to the dump to remember what garbage smells like.”

The only regret I currently have is not knowing how to end this blog post. So, Happy Labor Day!

All the best,

John