I am often asked where my ideas come from. I am quick to point out to the one asking the question that this is an interesting inquiry. Answer: From living every day and, sometimes, paying attention to the humor in it all.
This morning, however, the title of this article came from a quote from a travel agent who specializes in African Safaris as I was clicking my way aimlessly on my laptop enjoying my second cup of coffee. Here is the exact paragraph that caught my attention:
“Similarly, when I describe the sundowner tradition in Africa—of stopping at a stunning view or water hole to watch the sun set on another day and to relax with a favorite beverage, and to sit and reflect on life and the day’s activities—again, I see clients longing for such an experience. There seems to be a longing to just stop for a minute, stop the world spinning, stop endless conversation, stop the endless stimulation of social media. Just stop!”
Not unlike every other positive sound bite that is accompanied by its exact opposite, the last two words in this quote reminded me of Nike’s claim to fame phraseology, Just Do It!
Yep. There appears to be a flipside to just about everything. But this time, I paused to focus on the credence that these two words highlight: the importance of motionless reflection.
Think about it. How often do you unplug from the daily rigors responsible for our nation’s high mental instability? (You can define “mental instability” on your own terms.). Mine includes eating habits, lack of exercise, minimizing the importance of education, and believing that your way is the only way.
More of the same will unquestionably lead to more of the same. Perhaps it is time for us all to Just Stop. Stop to question our life’s purpose. Stop to be grateful for what we have. Stop to acknowledge those who contributed to our success. Stop to analyze and learn from our failures. Stop to rest and reenergize our creative juices. Stop to see nature, our immediate environment and the people that make it all work.
There is a lot to be said about Just doing it. There is just as much to be said about Just Stopping.
Notice I didn’t say Just Quit. I implied we slow down long enough to smell the roses.
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club, mike@mikemarchev.com.
*** You want more to think about? Check out my weekly podcast (Miked Up Marchev). Also listed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and iHeartRadio.
