How Much Life is in Your Years?

It was Monday morning, and like many professionals heading into a busy season, my head began spinning with a deluge of thoughts about all the things I wanted to accomplish when I sprang out of bed. As a mix of excitement and anxiety swirled through me, I reminded myself that my No. 1 priority was “spirituality and guidance,” so I chose to sit down for my morning meditation before jumping into action. 

“First things first,” I told myself. As I sat on my cushion, I felt my body slowly relax and my mind return to the present. During those 15 minutes of quiet time, I identified the source of my anxiety. My brain had been barking orders to catch up on house cleaning, pay the bills and squeeze in some accumulating admin work. 

In that stillness, I realized my sense of urgency wasn’t just about my to-do list — it was about trying to earn a sense of peace through productivity. But my heart yearned for simplicity and connection.

Retailers — especially in this industry — often pride themselves on working hard and making things happen for their customers. But in doing so, it’s easy to miss the small moments that actually keep us fueled: a relaxed chat with a team member before the doors open, a quick laugh during delivery prep or a quiet minute in the showroom before the day begins.

One of those small moments happened for me that Monday.

After meditating, I went downstairs for a cup of tea. My husband was up and invited me to connect. Our conversation wasn’t profound, just simple replays and reminiscing from the weekend.

After our chat, my husband left the house and the sun began to peek out from behind the mountains. I grabbed a blanket and my cup of tea and opened the window shades to indulge in a moment of gazing out to the hills and sunrise — a chance to do absolutely nothing except live.

Sitting there, I was reminded that while I can spend energy and time planning for and creating special experiences, it’s often the moments that pass quietly that are meaningful in and of themselves. These daily moments don’t involve any effort or fabrication to happen. These are the moments that, if I blink, will pass me by, unannounced and unaware, while I am busy chasing down dreams and making plans for some future.

My ongoing intention is to keep my eyes open to fully experience and embrace simple, meaningful moments like sipping tea with my loved one and sitting quietly in the sunshine.

In the middle of the chaos, we don’t need to wait for vacation or “someday” to catch our breath. We just need to notice the moment in front of us. Your business — and your team — will be better for it.

Don’t rush past the present in pursuit of the future. Pause, breathe and take in the small, meaningful moments — with your team, your customers or your cup of coffee. They might be the most valuable part of your day.

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

Unknown