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Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

Blossoming Almond BranchI really don't think as we are into the second decade of the 21st century, things are really not going to keep being fast around us, BUT daily "we do have control" to slow things down a bit for perspective, and also better connection to people and more "significance and meaning" individually for our own welfare and lives.

I happened across reading today an old essay of the late comedian George Carlin that he penned. It was called the Paradox of Time, and it was well thought out at the time he wrote it and probably more even appropriate today to remember to "slow down" in these fast fast times we seem to be in.

FAST is good in many areas of our lives with getting paperwork sent electronically across town or googling something you need to research while out in the car from your phone. BUT with people and life SO OFTEN slowly down is a much better approach. Digest George's words and remember to slow down, now and then.

 

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Comments (26)

Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Gary- thank you, and this is one of my favorites from a favorite of mine, George Carlin.  What a talent and wise man. 

Jun 28, 2015 07:25 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Gary-This is so true and it is very timely

Jun 28, 2015 12:16 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Gary, ahhhh, comedians are often some of the smartest people on earth! In order to laugh you have to understand, scrutinize, figure and be thoughtful....George did...and his words have proven the test of time. 

I loved this~thank you! 

Jun 30, 2015 09:37 AM
Virginia Hepp - Mesquite NV REALTOR
Desert Gold Realty - Mesquite NV Homes For Sale - Mesquite, NV
Mesquite NV Homes and Neighborhoods - Search MLS

I loved George Carlin and saw him many times.  So I read his words with his voice in my head.  Yeah, I can do that kind of stuff.

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

I learned that the hard way, and now I am spending the summer doing just that.  I foresee a lot of snow cones in my near future.

 

Jul 02, 2015 07:32 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jul 04, 2015 11:01 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

This a great quote from George Carlin.  Very deep and very true.  Thx for sharing and glad Kathy highlighted.

Jul 04, 2015 09:29 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Gary Woltal,

I love this piece and just read it twice. Most everything George Carlin wrote is so true ...this thoughtful piece came from a very wise and creative comedian. We were blessed to have him and to savor his words because they are so inspirational. Thank you for sharing.

Jul 04, 2015 09:44 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Gary Woltal that's certainly a reality slap that most of us can use.... thanks for great read this morning....and thanks to Kathy for featuring this post...

Jul 04, 2015 09:45 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Great reminder... George Carlin has been a favorite of mine for decades. And you are so right... we can control a lot of aspects of our lives and not let them control us.

Jul 04, 2015 10:05 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Gary, sage words from George Carlin. He had a knack for making the obvious humorous. Enjoy your day! 

Jul 04, 2015 10:55 PM
Tom White
Franklin Homes Realty LLC (615) 495-0752 or www.FranklinHomesRealty.com - Franklin, TN
Franklin Homes Realty LLC, Franklin TN

Gary, what an amazing piece of writing from George Carlin. Very inspirational. In the words of Paul Simon, "...You got to make the morning last".

Jul 04, 2015 11:23 PM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I am glad that I didnt miss this post, thanks to Kathy's weekly summary!  Thanks for sharing!

Jul 05, 2015 12:35 AM
Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

Wow it's like he could have literally written that yesterday and it would be just as applicable. 

Jul 05, 2015 01:04 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Thanks. I love that essay and believe it's one we could do well to read several times each year. 

Jul 05, 2015 02:40 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Gary - some things are really profound no matter when they are read.  This certainly a perfect example.

Jul 05, 2015 03:18 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Ah!  A reminder of one of my very favorite songs.

The 58th Street Bridge Song.

Jul 05, 2015 03:30 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

We must slow down-- this one really is something I see all too often.

 

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

Jul 05, 2015 11:56 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

 I really admired George Carlin.  '...give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.'' Have you read Brain Droppings?

Jul 05, 2015 12:14 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Gary Woltal - yep, slow down and spend more time with the loved ones! Isn't that we live for?

"Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again."

Jul 05, 2015 03:03 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

One can hear that slight gravely voice of his making this presentation and appreciate the manner with which it was delivered.  Thanks for sharing

Jul 06, 2015 01:20 AM