A New York Feng Shui Consultant and TIME by Feng Shui Long Island & NY
As a Feng Shui New York Consultant, I used to run by TIME, not ENERGY. I had to rush through everything I did so I would be on time for one thing or another. I never had the time to slow down and take in the beauty around me; I was simply run by TIME.
When I decided to become a full time Feng Shui Consultant and left my old Corporate job, the first thing I did was throw away my watch. Here in New York especially, everyone is in a hurry. Cars honk BEFORE the light turns green and as much as I love the Energy in New York City, people will push past you if you don't keep up.
I am not run by time anymore. I have my alarm clock to wake me up for my Feng Shui and other appointments and I can use my cell phone if I need to see the time. I have the luxury of not having to rush ANYWHERE.
It is such a pleasure to be able to stop somewhere that I find interesting or want to see more of. It is a pleasure not to have to rush anyone else, either. One of the wonderful things of getting older is being able to truly Stop and Smell the Roses.
Our own Pat Preston was the inspiration for this post. I just read HER insightful post:
Creating Your Best Life: Remember to Stretch
I stroll these days almost every where I go---it might drive some people crazy. As for myself, I find I now don't miss a thing.
New York Feng Shui
**Carole Provenzale has been a New York Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & New York. On Site Feng Shui Consultations provided for New York City (Manhattan), Queens and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com
Boy do I know that well. If we keep such a hectic pace we might miss some really important things like family and life. I used to live in NY and DC, I love both places but your are right everyone is in a hurry. Glad you made the switch. I wish I could Feng shui my house, one do soon I hope.
Carole, I know exactly what you mean by rushing all the time. I am originally from Hong Kong, we are just like NYC, you don't stop in the middle of the road, people will get on to you and you better move to the side quick. After moving to the States, especially in Ark., it is a much slower pace, I could rest and slow down some. I guess it is in my blood, I still like the fast pace life style, may not be crazy like in Hong Kong, NYC, but I still on the run pretty much all the time.
carole to have a job you feel passionate about - and to live your life as you teach - treasuring your 'time' and making it count - wonderful!
I think we are on a similar wavelength in more ways than one....I have not worn a wristwatch in probably 20+ years. Before cell phones, I was sometimes a bit frantic to find the time somewhere, asking people on the street, etc, but now I have the time with me mostly...I read recently that wristwatch sales have been steadily declining with the younger aged people for of this very reason! We can say we are "ahead of the trend!"
Carole, I remember too well, the corporate days ... where working 50, 60, 70 hours per week was never enough for the boss ... and then Alex came and I was forced to leave work on time to pick him up at daycare; and even after all these years, I'm still running on 'corporate mode'. I haven't learned to slow down a little bit. I feel like I'm always rushing here and there, all the time. Right now, I look forward to my morning walks in the park. They're about the only time I have to stop and smell the roses right, for about 1 hour a day....
I can't wait until I can throw the watch away. :)
I'm glad you're already not missing a thing.
Carole, I haven't worn a watch in years. I am very anal about time, it's about the only thing I am anal about. I am almost never late and if I'm 5 minutes early, that's even better. The cell phone, the clock in my car, the clock on my microwave, the cable box, and my computer, are the ways I stay on time. I find it hysterical that when I am on the beach, and I don't have my phone, I have to really scout around to find someone wearing a watch! Almost no one does anymore.
I have always hated watches. Now there is no need for one. There are still appointments to keep but with the flexibility of real estate I can schedule them so they don't rush me most of the time. New Yorkers are always in a hurry and it is a shame because we miss so much when we are running around like lemmings. (I still remember that documentary I saw in elementary school of them running off the cliff.)
I quit rushing around in 1990. Since then ... there's a whole new world out there. I totally understand your message - and could not agree with it more.
Life has a way of passing us by unless we slow down and drink it in.
I lost my watch this summer, I have no clue where. But, now I just use my phone.
No need to rush if you plan. Life is too short, smell the roses on our journey, you do.
I'm far from perfect but getting there.
I stopped wearing a watch a few months ago. The battery died and I just never felt the need to replace it. I have my cell phone if I need to know the time!
Carole
Like Missy, I lost my watch and rely on my phone. It makes life a lot easier.
We gave up watches years ago -- and if we need to know the time there is the cell phone which works great for that need.
Hi Carole-This reminds me of the song by the band Alabama-"I'm in a hurry and I don't know why. " I hate to be rushed and don't work well when I am rushed. I haven't wore a watch for years and working from home I don't have a need to. Time sure does fly whether we have a watch or not. Have a great weekend my friend. <SMILE>
Carole - Even here in CT it seems like everyone is in a rush to get somewhere. I don't like to be rushed and don't like doing it to others. I tend to get so much more accomplished when I'm not under the gun and can do it at my own pace.
Carole - that is great that you are able to do that in such a hustle bustle place. We really focus on that also and being present in the moment, otherwise they will pass you by.
Hi Carole: One of the very reasons why I enjoy being in real estate. I came from a corporate world too, but I think our culture is mostly geared to be more conscious of time rather than substance. I have only one clock in my house and it's beside my bed which I don't even need because my internal clock has always been spot on and like you, I use my cell phone to check on the time. Not worrying about time as much actually gives me more energy.
Carole - thanks for the link to Pat's post. My watch broke sometime in the late 80's and I haven't had one since. Even in the corporate world I have managed to be on time without one. It is kind of liberating.
Carole--I am still ruled by a watch...If not, my poor son would sit in front of the school forever waiting for a ride home! Sounds like you are in a great place without constrictions...good for you! It must be so freeing!
Carole - Up until October 26, 2005, I had a full time job at a software development company, and I also sold real estate. My clients were mainly the software engineers and developers at the company, and because we kept the same corporate hours, it worked out to have them as clients.
Then the company had a large layoff shortly after they were acquired by an overseas corporation, and I was part of the layoff. At first I panicked, and then a calm came over me, as I realized there had been a lot in life that I had been missing out on because of my busy schedule. I decided to back off, stick with real estate but not burn the candle at both ends with another second job. It was one of the best and most rewarding decisions I have made in life. And, as you say, when we get older, we need to take time and smell the roses. The trip that I just made it home from, really drove that point home.
While New York might be more fast-paced than San Diego -- and I would argue that it's not necessarily so -- here we have a very Me! Me! Me! society. Very few people are interested in anyone other than themselves.
Carole, You are a truly blessed...I can't imagine not having a watch. I live by my watch. The weeks fly by and time just disappears. It's so important to take a moment to stop and smell the roses every chance you can. Thanks for the great reminder!
Great post Carole. I could feel how relaxed you were writing it. Am now very greeeeen! and not eco-green! :( Congratulations Carole on your new much slower and enjoyable life! Gotta run!
Debbie, It was finally time to slow down. Life is so much better now that it can be enjoyed!
Rita, Yes we all just need to slow down once and a while :)
Liz, to many more days of enjoyment!
Cheryl, wow that's interesting to hear. who knows maybe wrist watches will be a thing of the past someday...antique even.
Sylvie, a morning walk, what a great way to ease your mind into the day :)
Susan, I'm never late, either. Just indulge yourself in the sweet sounds and smells of the ocean air
Paddy, it's so true. Do you ever watch commuters waiting for the train to go home from New York City. Its kind of funny, they just stand and stare at the time board ..waiting and waiting....and then like a choreographed dance they RUN to the train when the number appears on the track. And you better be awake and running because you will get knocked down.
Carol, Yes you take the time to really see whats happening in our world. Take the time to notice plants, animals, the smell of the air...every day scenery we take for granted.
Missy, You're probably pretty close :) I love NOT being run by time now.
Lessa, More of us stopped then I'd have imagined...it's nice to hear.
Tom, Much, much easier, Tom, I have to agree.
Bob and Carolin, Isn't it wonderful not be dictated by time....
Kevin and Monica, today's society is always in a rush, people miss out on what they can see and who they can meet.
Sharon, Thank you for sharing the song :) How about this one, "don't worry, be happy"
Donna, I agree...so many mistakes happen when people are rushed and sometimes you have to repeat what you've just done!
Mike, Having a watch on your for me makes it feel like a ritual to keep looking down and checking. it's nicer to just go through out the day with no concern with hours, minuets and seconds ticking away.
Teri, Oh yes...I planned a road trip to the Cape Cod area with my daughter. The night before, after she came home from work I said "we're leaving tonight!" She was so shocked! but off we went and began our mini road trip :) Being spontaneous is so great!
Myrl, as they say its the little things in life that can make you smile
Jim, that sounds like the world :)
Sandy, I'm telling you not having a watch is the best thing ever!
Al and Peggy, Running..very cute. It is a challange sometimes to get everything done :)
It is annoying how everybody is in an "Emergency mode". Talking on the phone during the dinner, driving... can you wait to finish your dinner with your family or friends to talk on the phone? Is it an emergency? Can you call somebody when you arrive in your house or has to be in that exactly minute that you are driving? Let's slow down people. Life pass fast, let's enjoy the beautiful little things!
I was very busy yesterday, with meetings, clients, showing houses, but I took my time to enjoy my garden and I took this picture... Carole, have a great day!
Good for you my friend to be able to be in a place in your life where you can enjoy your work without the pressure of the corporate cubicle lifestyle.
Enjoy those roses!
Hello Carol,
Great post! I need to take time to smell the roses! Thank you for the reminder!
Rita
Ah time - it is the great leveler - you can't buy more, spend more or save it - you can't bargain with our creator for more of it - it is unknown how much of this precious commodity each of us have? Yet each day the sun rises and sets, each second our heart beats, we breathe - do we take time to notice?...
Taking Time - that is the best use of time IMO :)
thanks for reminding me Carole - awesome post!
Sincerely,
Grace