To Infinity and Beyond

Last week, the first photos from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope made it back to Earth. If you haven’t seen them yet, stop reading and take a look. As someone who grew up watching Star Trek, it really brings the vastness of space to life.

I find it difficult to wrap my brain around the fact that these photos are showing thousands of galaxies as they appeared almost 13 billion years ago. In doing so, I realize how insignificant Earth is when framed with this larger picture. 

It got me to think about how often we make our “problems” so much larger than they need to be. This may be, in part, because of our egos, beliefs, and mindsets. I believe the other part is because we don’t give ourselves enough time to breathe. Our days are filled with tasks, our phones keep us connected 24/7, and we are moving constantly from one thing to the next.  

When was the last time you gave yourself a strategic pause…a “breath in time” to center yourself, reflect on what really matters to you, and observe what is present? A recent client lamented that she was finishing one meeting and running to the next and that there wasn’t time. I pointed out that sometimes it’s as simple as taking three deep breaths before opening the next door.

I’ll admit that I want more for you than just three deep breaths between meetings. I want you to: experience moments of awe from what surrounds you; have time to think purposefully about what you really want to have happen; and, open yourself up to new thoughts and experiences. Imagine your world as open and vast – just as what the Webb telescope is showing us.

This Week’s Challenge: Start with three deep breaths. Plan some time to be outside in nature and observe what’s around you. Create boundaries on your work calendar to give you space to think about what you want to accomplish and why. Leave room to learn and grow.