CONNECTIONS the book I’m writing is an extension of my six year blog, “The Space Between the Notes” The pauses, “spaces” … the discernment that needs to precede key decisions we make in life. Precede many of our day to day decisions as well. I call “spaces” great not because they are thunderous. Dramatic events in our lives. “Great” refers to impact. How small moments can mean so much. 

I wrote in ’16 that “Speed Can Kill” … the speed of our lives today can be blurring. Thus the message in the blog, “slow down to speed up.” Its a paradox. Don’t keep trying to go faster. Rather … just slow. Assess where you are first, now. Then proceed. In essence find those “spaces”, those pauses so crucial to assure you’re moving ahead healthily. Maybe in 2016 I was on to something.

 The pandemic has created a curious, much discussed phenomenon. “Space” is all over the place. We have lots more of it now. Infection. Work at home. Quarantine. Isolation. A million deaths? Wow! An “I might die” thought or two? The script seems to have flipped. We’re still busy. But we have more time to experience “space.” Think more. Discern. 

 Why is all this happening? How is … how will my life change? What does this all mean? So much loss. The deaths. All the failed, impaired small businesses. Kid’s education. Blurred financial certainty. Confusion all over the place. 

“Think I need to rethink things? I certainly have more time (space) to do so. Maybe someone (how bout God) is trying to tell me something.” Well, yeah! Think so? COVID has given you space. The greatest “space” in a very long time. So let’s heed, and embrace it. Perversely, it might actually be a gift for you. Think about it. 

A lot has been written recently about the “great resignation.” Kids in there late 20s and early 30s who seem to have just quit. Stopped working. Checked out. This makes me wonder?

What are these young people thinking? What has all the extra “space” drawn them to? Different priorities? Simply a pause? Or are they just lazy? What is it? Then I think about all those “recreational” drugs and the suppression of energy, motivation they can bring on. That might be some of it. I think about all those “everyone gets a trophy” blunders we parents made as we raised these guys. Gave them way too much. But then I think, maybe a reordering is underway with them. A reevaluation of priorities. “Space” to assess, reset. Maybe this is a “canary in the coal mine” for us to see. While most think, “Isn’t it so disappointing they have dropped out. Quit.” I have a different thought. “Maybe these kids have got it right. Maybe they’re onto something.” Maybe a faint rumbling of something tectonic going on?

Personally, for me? My mortality has taken a front seat. Since COVID my life feels more compressed. More finite. “Just keep going! Keep growing! Don’t stop!” That’s what I’ve always told myself. Those I coach. But now? No. I’m reordering things. Embracing the “space,” Yes, stopping. 

And maybe spending more time just “being” and listening for the message, a thought that tells me what to “do” next. Slowing down to speed up. Trade the pace of life for more quality of life. 

“Space” is subtle. Fueled by all those connections I’m writing about in my book. Reaching for “space” is optional of course. But maybe those kids leaving the work force are only preparing themselves to return stronger. Refueled with new priorities, a reordered set of values that will make their contributions to their work, society more meaningful. More impactful. Their lives will be much more fulfilling.

Slowing isn’t boredom. We shouldn’t feel guilty about the “space” thrust upon us. But we usually do. As always, we get to choose our own perspective on all that’s going on around us. 

I think about all those young people resigning. And I say … my God is telling me something. Too. The is a time for great space to be here for the taking. 

So take heed.