"Stuck in Traffic"

I have been thinking quite a lot about how much time we spend "stuck in traffic." It is almost impossible to get anywhere in Los Angeles "on time" these days. Being late has become synonymous with being stuck in traffic. It is just assumed that we, you or they will be late to whatever it is we, you or they are trying to get to.

We are always waiting....on the freeway for the cars to move, in line at the post office, DMV, movie theater or market, for cell phone reception in a "bad cell" area, for the internet to load on the computer, and even for the weekend to arrive. No wonder we are in such a hurry for everything. In today's world, instant gratification is the name of the game. And why shouldn't we want it NOW. Who wants to wait? Waiting is simply a waste of time. Precious seconds are wasting away while we wait. We want it, and deserve it, now, don't we?

Well, we have all heard the term "some things are worth waiting for," right? Like taking the time to save up for something you really want, maybe a trip, or new furniture, or a piece of jewelry. Or taking the time to wait for a parking place in a crowded mall parking lot. Or taking the time to wait for a freshly prepared meal at a fine restaurant. If we don't wait, and jump in too quickly, seeking instant gratification, we might shortchange ourselves on the vacation that could otherwise have been what we really wanted, purchase furniture that is not quite the right color or size that we had envisioned, buy the small diamond earrings when what we really wanted was the large pendant, leave the mall in frustration rather than have the chance to shop at our favorite store, or opt for greasy, fattening fast food.

Spending so much of my life "stuck in traffic" has made me come to appreciate the need for patience in life. Things seem to "taste" better when I take the time to slow down and savor the moments. Like eating a really good meal. It is much better to savor every bite and make it last as long as possible rather than gulping it down and not really tasting it. It is time to "taste" life and all the infinite facets of life, good and bad. I really believe there is something to learn in every "lesson."

So, instead of getting upset and frustrated because there are too many cars on the road, or too many people at the market, or because it is taking too long for the internet to load on my computer, I plan to just take a breath, think of how lucky I am to be alive, with a great husband and two amazing kids, and family and friends who love me, and take the opportunity to observe and learn. I am hoping to share some of those observations through this blog. A place to collect thoughts and ideas throughout 2010. And through it all, I plan to feel more relaxed, healthier, and happy and to develop a deeper appreciation for all the things and people in my life.