Like many people, I find quotes to be exceptionally inspiring. It is truly amazing how a particular sequence of words can change your entire mood, perspective, and overall outlook on life. Quotes can take on an entire life of their own … and that’s what I’m here to explore. In each “Quotable Insights” post, I’ll share one of my favorite quotes, along with an expanded contemplation on its meaning.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu

When was the last time you didn’t need to look at the clock to know what time it was?

Instead, I often find myself thinking, “What? It’s 3 pm already!?”

Have you ever woken up without the sound of an alarm?

Did you ever leave the house without your watch or cell phone and didn’t return to grab them?

Whether your life is filled to the brim with activities & commitments or you find yourself easily distracted by busy-work, our general concept of time has been forever changed by ongoing advancements in technology. There are many reasons to be thankful for the internet, e-mail, and cell phones, but we also need to be weary of how much they consume our lives.

Instead of filling our days with back-to-back events, we also need to schedule time to do absolutely nothing, or something we never make time for. Maybe you’ll use that time to practice yoga, meditate, read a book, bake a cake, take a nap … your instinct will tell you what is the best way to spend the time, but one thing is key: do something for you.

We need not always be busy working, hurrying, racing to out-pace each other. If you don’t take care of yourself, no number of meetings, e-mail exchanges, or business deals can compensate for your lack of personal clarity & compassion – it will show through in everything you say & do.

As humans, we may not have centuries upon centuries to accomplish the goals we strive for, but being in a constant state of hurry benefits no one. We have much to learn from the natural world, especially this: a little work & a lot of patience goes a very long way.

How do you interpret this quote?