#165 Fence. Fence. Fence. Antelope!

Growth Instigators Hotline

Telephone pole, Cow, Telephone pole, Cow, Tree
Fence, Fence, Fence, Antelope.

Thank you for calling GIH where we instigate growth one call at a time where we utilize antiquated technology to deliver 3-minute leadership lessons every week day! This is message #165 and I am Aaron Havens.

As a young lad I remember taking road trips. I would sit in the back seat with my younger brother and watch the world go by. My parents were smart. Long road trips meant two young boys with lots of energy. We would play the line game… you know the one? It’s where if your brother crossed the line with any part of his body you could punch or hit it. We would play the Alphabet game… guess the song game and tick tac toe. My favorite game was the one my parents made it. It was the Antelope game. Driving though south eastern Colorado the plains were barren. My parents made us a deal. The first person to see an antelope would get a milkshake in the next city. We would sit quietly focused as we focused intensely at the passing by world.

Telephone pole, Cow, Telephone pole, Cow, Tree
Fence, Fence, Fence, Antelope!!

Looking out the window with purpose I would see things that otherwise would just pass by unnoticed.

Let’s dive in.

Where today is the world flashing by at 55, 75, 90 miles an hour.
Are you busy focusing on the road ahead. Well that is probably a good thing.

When though, was the last time you slowed down and noticed the world around you? What you’re currently driving though. What is on the horizon out your side window. Taking in the moments of today, slowing down, being content, enjoying the journey could be what your soul needs today. Richard Rohr says it this way, “The faster we move, the less we see.”

My friends lets, let’s at times, purposefully slow down so we can notice what is around us and live calmer. What does that look like for you? Here are some random practices that work for me. Literally drive the speed limit exactly, not 3mph over. Pick the long line in the store. Schedule down time on your calendar. Drive the scenic way home. Listen to “ambient music”. Sit outside and watch. Yeah. The point is, are you missing life because you’re driving so fast. An antelope equals a prize. Maybe notice the world you’re driving by. It’s pretty cool out the side window!

Thanks for calling in today. Tune in tomorrow for the weekend edition where I learn from you. I’d like to hear what leadership nuggets you have for me as I prepare for next week. So yeah, if you’d call in tomorrow and leave me a message that would be great. For today… at the sound of the beep, what are some practices or things you do to slow down and notice?