The Explorer

Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2004

a Life Navigation Coaching publication 

Happy Spring!

The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the temperatures are rising.  Spring has arrived in the Midwest!  I can't believe that it's April already.  In fact, it's nearly May.  Time sure passes quickly once a new little baby arrives on the scene - as if it didn't already fly by before!  More on that below...

I hope that you're enjoying beautiful weather wherever this newsletter finds you.  Breathe in some fresh air, and take a minute to appreciate the rebirth of the earth.

Love and Joy,

Time Flies

Flowering trees are among my favorite beauties of spring.  Each year, blossoms seem to appear on the trees overnight – bare branches one day and abundant flowers the next.  Spring’s arrival comes so quickly that it amazes me each year.  Time simply seems to fly by. 

This year has been different.  I’ve spent countless hours during the past two months in a rocker in my son’s bedroom, gazing out the window while feeding him.  During those hours, I’ve literally watched the seasons change before my eyes.  I’ve seen snow flurries, rain, wispy clouds, and sunshine.  But the most amazing thing that I’ve noticed is how slowly blossoms appear on flowering trees.  One day I noticed buds on the tree across the street.  A few days later…small bits of green.  Then the green filled out a bit.  Then tiny bits of white replaced the green.  Days passed as I watched beautiful white blossoms unfurl and grow, until the tree was a mass of gorgeous blooms.  The next day – just to make sure that I got the message – the second tree in view through my little window on the world began the process.  A week later, it’s now covered with beautiful pink blossoms. 

What’s the message that I got from this?  Time flies only if you let it.  If you let the world go by unnoticed, time appears to fly.  If you spend a moment noticing the world around you, time slows down.  You have the power to control the passage of time…or at least your perception of it.  Even better, you have the power to control how fully you enjoy that time. 

The advice that I’ve received most frequently since becoming a mother is to enjoy this time with my son, because “they grow up so quickly.”  Friends, family, and even strangers have told me this.  Sadly, some have gone on to share their regrets that they did not cherish the early months with their children as much as they now wish they had.  Learn from this.  “Enjoy this time” is a fantastic reminder no matter what your situation.  

The very wise Benjamin Franklin instructs us: “Lost time is never found again.”  Time will fly if you let it, and you’ll never get it back.  You may have regrets about the time that has already passed, but from this moment on you can control your perception of and your enjoyment of the passage of time.

How? 

Notice the clouds in the sky, the flowers in your yard, the glint of sunlight reflected off of cars and buildings.  Cherish that smile from your friend, partner, or child.  Savor that feeling of accomplishment when you complete a project, no matter how small.  Enjoy the aroma of your coffee, the fresh clean smell of your soap, and the sound of the birds outside.  

Do these things and time will stop for just a moment.  With each moment you take to pause and observe, your life will become more joy-filled.  I wish you many moments and much joy.

Update on Whoa, Mama! 

Yes, the Whoa, Mama! coaching groups are still coming.  We'll meet via phone and in-person in Columbus, Ohio to discuss how to experience more happiness, joy, and ease in new motherhood.  However, it'll be a few more months before we begin, as I'm enjoying an extended maternity leave myself (see pictures at left and below). 

If you (or someone you know) would like more information on the Whoa, Mama! groups, please contact me at lisa@lifenavigationcoaching.com or call me at (614) 262-8820.  

Want to learn more about life coaching?

© Copyright 2004  Lisa M. Evans, Ph.D.