(image courtesy of Nerdist)
I love 80's movies, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is one of my all-time favorites. This classic film by John Hughes follows high school student Ferris (played by Matthew Broderick), his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara), and his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck). While I admired Ferris and had a crush on Sloane, I mostly identified with Cameron: his anxiety, hesitation, and eventual breaking out of his shell to stand up to his father and become his own man. In my opinion, Cameron’s character arc is the strongest in the film. There are a few wonderful fan theories that this story is about Cameron’s day off, Ferris being his alter ego, or that Cameron merely imagined the scenarios while sick in bed all day.
The adventure opens and closes with a great quote from Ferris,
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
I love this film so much that this statement from Ferris was my senior quote in the high school yearbook. Several decades later, Ferris still offers some wisdom for my life.
What’s your hurry?
Our lives can be filled with positive aspects such as hobbies, special events, and social engagements. At the same time, our lives can be interrupted by negative conditions like illness, financial hardships, and unplanned career transitions. Our lives also have the "necessary neutrals:” the daily grind of work, errands, bills, and taxes. We can easily get distracted, exhausted, and numb from our day-to-day responsibilities due to the fast-paced nature of life, which doesn't pause for us to catch up. What is causing you to feel rushed in your life?
What are you missing?
Sometimes we miss out on events or opportunities due to work obligations or unexpected illness. However, more frequently, we find ourselves "checked out" and overlooking the simple moments of life unfolding around us. How often are we distracted by our phones or find it challenging to fully engage in a conversation because something else occupies our thoughts? How frequently do our children need to repeat themselves because we're preoccupied or inaccessible when a neighbor seeks to connect? Life is constantly happening around us. What could you be missing out on?
Stop and look around
There are some things in life that we can control. There are also some things we can't control, but there are ways we can manage them. Here are a few effective strategies I've discovered to help me “stop.”
Prioritize: Learn to say no to things that may be good, but keep you too busy. Focus on what's best.
Share Responsibilities: See if there are tasks that you can delegate to others at work, in your family life, or in your social commitments.
Seek Support: Consider meeting with a coach, counselor, or pastor for guidance. Lean on your loved ones and friends for help.
Take a Break: It's important to rest and recharge. Set aside time to relax, nap, and focus on your mental and physical well-being.
It's not sufficient to merely "stop.” We must actively "look around” with purpose.
Do something. Make plans with hope and vision, and prioritize who and what is most important.
Be present. While we can actively make life happen (which is good), sometimes it’s better to let life happen. Roll with it. Be there.
Reflect. Dedicate some time to respond to life with gratitude. I’ve found journaling helpful for personal reflection and fostering gratitude.
Celebrate with others. Remember to celebrate not only your accomplishments but also the accomplishments of others. Step into the world of those around you.
What techniques and strategies do you use to stop and look around?
Life moves pretty fast. Don’t miss it.
I really appreciate these practical tips! Thank you for sharing.
It’s definitely been a journey. Thanks for the tips & reminders to slow down & enjoy it.