How Aware Are You?

A few weeks ago I backed out of the driveway and started zooming down my neighborhood street on the way to a client meeting. I was running a few minutes late, which had surprisingly become the norm for this first-time mom. Needless to say, I was a little upset with myself for being late. I’d always prided myself on being 10-15 minutes early for meetings when I had no little ones to attend to.

As I drove quickly through town and started along the path to the meeting location, I immediately noticed a cop approaching in the opposite lane – whoops, quickly I stepped on my brakes!

Phew, he didn’t notice me speeding… so I went along on my marry way, until I came upon a red light. Gees, I wasn’t getting any breaks that morning. So, I sat there and tapped away at my steering wheel waiting for that glowing green little circle to light up.

Okay, finally a green – let’s get going again. I traveled a few more miles and got stopped again – this time a train was crossing the county road that I happened to be on. Let me tell you, when you’re in a hurry and are waiting for a train, it seems like it takes hours for the darn thing to pass.

As I sat there and watched the train slowly roll by, car by car, I couldn’t help but think about all the universal signs that were being sent my way. I was in a hurry, even speeding – which is something I generally don’t do – yet I was continually being warned to SLOW DOWN. Let’s review all the signs:

1. The cop approaching in the opposite lane
2. The red light
3. The train crossing the road

These signs all came to me only 5 miles into my trip that day. I immediately wondered if I needed to become aware of my situation. I was so panicked to not be late, that I was driving more “reckless” than I usually do. By reckless, I mean I was speeding and following the person ahead of me too close. Those two things, combined with checking my phone for directions, could have been a dangerous combination and potentially the right ingredients for an accident.

My entire life, I’ve often had premonitions or visualizations of events happening in front of me. This day was no different. I immediately started thinking of all the incidents or accidents that could have happened within that 5-mile stretch of road, had I not been forced to SLOW DOWN or Stop.

Since that day, I’ve decided to completely alleviate the need to be in a hurry, by allowing more time to prepare and get ready for meetings.

On those days where I am running late, I send a quick text to the client prior to starting my car engine, warning them that I may be slightly late (interestingly enough, I still tend to show up before the client does). I then take my time while driving, and chose to look at the beautiful scenery along the way.

I’ve even started implementing gratitude during my drive – where I mentally become grateful for a certain aspect of the day – whether it be the beautiful weather, the green grass, the lack of wind, my health, my happiness, my family, etc.

So as you rush through your day… pay attention to the signs. Create awareness surrounding your day, and PAY ATTENTION.

I believe we always receive multiple signs that something is about to happen; good or bad. However, the insightful thing to consider is whether you see it coming and have the awareness to divert the bad from happening.

About the Author: Valerie Echter is a Certified Holistic Health and Lifestyle Coach, who specializes in stress reduction and emotional wellbeing. She is a stress and anxiety expert, having worked through her own issues with severe social anxiety while at the height of her career in the oil industry.

Valerie takes her 12-year tenure as a nationally-known sales and marketing expert, and has leveraged her business know-how to educate business owners on the fundamentals of strategically implementing Emotional Wellbeing programs and services into the organization’s Safety or Wellness programs. A passionate advocate for employee health, Valerie supports organizations in reaching business goals directly via coaching, mentoring, and exclusive facilitated workshops focusing on employee productivity, increased employee morale, improved employee mental clarity and focus.

When she's not working with clients, Valerie can be found on the golf course, reading, playing with her young daughter and cocker spaniel puppy, or enjoying spending time with her husband and extended family.

Want to connect directly with Valerie? Email [email protected] to learn more about effective business strategies that focus on employee wellbeing.