The Negative Effects of Dedication

"I am speed", So goes the mantra of the character Lightning McQueen in the movie Cars, before every race.

Psyching himself up for the big moment, nothing else matters as his whole world focuses down on that one moment in time when he is going to race.

Dedication, focus, persistence, the pursuit of perfection, ideals we all laud. But to what end?

No care for anyone or anything else, his whole purpose is simply to win the race and receive the accolades. There is no one in his life who matters but him.

Sound familiar? Have you spent your life simply reciting a mantra and forgotten why we are alive?

To live life! Stop and smell the flowers. Kiss your partner and take the time to remember why you chose to be with them. Hug your children, they grow up way too fast.

I personally know many people who bought into the lie we were all told in our youth and went to school so they could get a good education.

They got the education so they could land a good job.

They got the job so that they could makes a good income with which they could enjoy life.

That was 25-30 years ago, now that 1/2 of their life is gone they realize that the boat sailed while they stood on the dock.

Feeling that they missed out, they throw everything to the wind in a last ditch effort to experience life.

Having affairs that destroy long standing relationships in a vain attempt to recapture lost youth.

Splurging on possessions to the point of overbearing debt on things that give no meaning to life,

Vacations they can no longer physically enjoy to the fullest.

Sadly, but attempted none the less are the visits to grown children who have no more time than their parents did at their age to get to know each other.

I know that in today's hectic society it can be hard to stop and smell the flowers and when the rent is due it is not always convenient to go for a walk in the park.

Trust me that no matter what your situation it can be improved upon simply by giving in to the realization that life is its own purpose.

Stop chasing the proverbial butterflies and sit down to enjoy the sunshine because when your sitting quietly is when that butterfly may just come up and land on you.

Go ahead and be focused, be dedicated to your goals, pursue them with all your heart and with the fullest passion you can muster.

But make darn sure that whatever you set your sights on gives your life purpose and meaning and does not distract you from stopping to smell the flowers.

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