What ever happened to: Stopping to smell the roses?

By Kristy Gustafson in College, Columns, Front Page, Opinion on Mar 10, 2012 0:49 / comments

The opinions represented in this article do not necessarily represent those of the staff of CUIndependent.com or any of its sponsors.

Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Of course, he may not be the greatest influence considering his love for fibbing and skipping class, but his attitude toward life is one to be admired.

CUI's Kristy Gustafson writes on how it is easy to get lost in the chaos of life and how it is important to slow down and enjoy the little things. (CU Independent File/Robert R. Denton)

In the high-speed world around us, it’s hard not to fall into the rapid flow of life. We want to get the most done we can in the least amount of time, moving us to turn to the innovation that allows just that: multitasking. We do homework while listening to music, eating a Jimmy John’s sandwich, texting our friends and petting our fat, lazy dog. In the midst of this chaos, everything starts to fade. Suddenly, our homework, music, sandwich, friends and dog have all blended together as one messy jumble. We’ve barely appreciated a second of it.

We try to do so much so fast, and as a result, life passes us by in one big blur. Before we know it, we’ve graduated from college and starting a career, maybe even a family. And we wonder: How did I get here?

After a short panic attack, we take a deep breath and think back to all the things we missed out on in this autopilot state of ours, wondering what it would take to earn a do-over. I wish I could say that reading this article could grant you re-do, but I’m not a fairy godmother or genie in a bottle.

What I can do, however, is offer you some advice — Ferris’ advice. Stop, look around and smell the roses.

Blossoming in front of you and stretching out its soft red and pink petals is that quick little breather you were hoping for. Step out of the rapid stream of people buzzing by, slow yourself down, and stop to take in these simple and elegant flowers.

Questions begin to cross your mind, like how did they get here? Did someone plant them? How long have they been here? Do the pink ones or red ones smell better?

Now here you are, taking in nature as well as a little time out from the mayhem around you.

As humans, we can only take so much. We’re not built to run 24/7 because we only have so much fuel. As Christopher Richards of SlowDownNow.org puts it, “burning the candle at both ends results in, well, burnout.”

School, work, relationships — we have so much going on that it’s natural for us to feel overwhelmed at times. All we need to do is take it slow and focus on one thing at a time before our fuse burns out and we are wishing for a do-over.

Here’s your opportunity. It’s better than a second chance, it’s saving your first. Put those brakes on and enjoy every single second of life as this beautiful mountain air glides past you.

Here we are in college — the best years of our lives. Why waste these unforgettable years, and not to mention a few forgettable nights, by focusing solely on the finish line? Where’s the fun in that? Ask any senior about their college years and I guarantee they’ll say, “college went by way too fast. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Take a minute on your way to class to absorb the unique beauty of the Flatirons, maybe even take a picture. Get to class early and strike up a conversation with a classmate. This little encounter could lead to a life-long friendship or more. If not, then at least you have one more friend to get notes from on the days when you want to skip class and go skiing. But, Mom and Dad, if you’re reading this, I’m totally kidding.

When all else fails, take things slow. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself appreciating the little things, living life to the fullest and breathing in that sweet, mountain air all around you.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kristy Gustafson at Kristy.gustafson@colorado.edu.