This post originated from an RSS feed registered with .NET Buzz by douglas reilly. Original Post: Sort of [OT] - Stopping and smelling the roses (or whatever is nearby) Feed Title: Doug Reilly's Weblog Feed URL: http://www.asp.net/err404.htm?aspxerrorpath=/dreilly/rss.aspx Feed Description: ASP.NET and More... Latest .NET Buzz Posts Latest .NET Buzz Posts by douglas reilly Latest Posts From Doug Reilly's Weblog

So, you have heard the expression "Stop and smell the roses" I am sure.  Sometimes there are not roses, as in a recent trip I took to Hawaii.  But the below sufficed:

I have been working pretty much better than full time for the last 5 or 10 years, especially over the last three years, as a consultant and generally billing 40+ hours per week, and of course there were hundreds of hours a year in non-billable time.  I made out OK financially, and mostly I was doing work I enjoyed.

So, what does this have to do with smelling the roses (or other nearby flowers)?  In the last 6 months or so, between a pretty serious surgery, and a general slowdown of work, I have had the opportunity (and in some respects, the need) to do some things that I had not been doing.  I now ride my bike or walk virtually every day.  Riding a bike allows you to see and even smell things you sometimes miss, like a great smelling flowering plant on the side of the road or a peak at the ocean or bay.  Walking has some additional advantages.  I never knew there is a nearby house that has a wonderful fountain in front.  I have met and talked with friends from the neighborhood that I mostly have not talked to since our now grown children went to grade school together.

I am actively enjoying the slower pace, and the timing could hardly be better.  I was weak and out of shape after the surgery (strictly speaking, I was out of shape before surgery as well<g>) and so having the time to walk and get back on the bike was in many respects a wonderful thing.  I had time for a long anticipated vacation as well, thus the flower in Hawaii.  

I have a number of writing gigs as well as some small projects keeping me busy for now a little better than half time.  I have a possible upcoming book, a couple of big projects coming up, and a client who is anxious for me to do some work for them, but has no money until the new year, so I am hopeful I can enjoy this relatively slow time, and look back on it fondly as things heat up.

I encourage you to stop and enjoy some of the things around you even if you are frantically busy.  It will be worth it.