In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, it is easy to find ourselves overwhelmed, pushed to the limit. Are we over-stressing ourselves unwittingly? Were our bodies built to handle all of this "input"? I suppose only time will tell.  

Let's face it, we don't want to miss out on anything. We stay connected with around-the-clock news, weather and anything else our hearts desire. We feel we MUST be reachable at all times with cell phones, instant messaging and PDA's. Work is no longer defined as 8 to 5.  Most of us are getting by on less sleep, working longer hours and trying to connect with others who are on different schedules - and even likely live across the globe. Whew!

Has anyone ever had a meal these days without interference of some kind?  Or simply sat and read a book — I mean only sit and read a book - not also watch TV or get up and down with laundry, cooking, kids . . .

Metaphorically, we often refer to our "mess" as juggling too many things. Or some call it the ping-pong effect, bouncing back and forth, back and forth, and not sure exactly what is getting accomplished. What would happen if you "dropped" a couple of those things?  If they're important to others, perhaps someone else could pick it up - even if for awhile.

What would happen if we just disconnect - for awhile?  Could you do it?

It's important to "decompress" on a regular basis and just BE. Relax, think about life in general and where you are in this life.  Are you enjoying yourself? How do you know? What are the signs of contentment? Are you "stopping to smell the roses," as the saying goes?  Each passing minute is a minute we will never have again. Are you doing things that matter to you?