I was having a stressful day. I was traveling. I had reports to write. I had forms to secure. Also, bill out! When you are in business for yourself, you do it all. Sometimes I am right there. Other days, not so much and I was allowing myself to become overwhelmed with the personal stuff surrounding my professional stuff. And, sometimes, it is daunting.

So, I drop in for my last physical therapy appointment (another story for another time). My mind was traveling a lot faster than my feet when I saw the signs on the floor. There was no one in line. Those seated had stressed looks on their faces so I did something others might deem bizarre. I stopped here.

I went to each sign and said “Stop here.” I did that three times. By the time I made it to the appointment check-in, everyone was laughing, the receptionist, the patients in the waiting room, and myself. I needed the laugh and it looked like those around me also needed the laugh.

However, I did something more: I stopped. I became present in the moment instead of planning my next steps, my next powerpoint, my next issue to set myself on fire. I stopped. We all need to do that, to decompress, stop taking ourselves so seriously, so entitled, so too much.

So I stopped. I hope you do too. Stop and smell the crisp air after a rain. Stop and pet your dog or cat, snake, mouse, whatever is your pet. Stop and kiss your spouse. Hug him as it may be the last time as we all get older and there is risks involved every time you let go. Just stop. Be present and mindful so you become your best person.