“Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.” — James Bryant Conant
Sometimes the universe knows exactly when you need a “shell-shocking” reminder to slow down. I was scurrying between meetings today, my mind racing through a to-do list that seemed to grow with every step, when I passed our pond at work and saw these guys. There they were, a whole community of turtles absolutely winning at the art of doing nothing. It’s hard to stay stressed when you’re watching a turtle meticulously negotiate the perfect sunbathing rock…it’s the ultimate lesson in patience and finding joy in the simple warmth of a Tuesday afternoon. Seeing them reminded me that while I might not be able to literally carry my house on my back and nap in the sun all day (as much as my coworkers might appreciate the dedication to the “slow life” movement), I can certainly take five minutes to breathe, reset, and be grateful for these little armored neighbors who know exactly how to live in the moment.
