Don’t do it. Don’t blink

I wonder if Jimmy Buffett ever feels like a walking contradiction?!  I hope the answer is yes, because that’s how I sometimes feel.

It takes a ton of work and worry to build a successful brand that is based on the premise of ESCAPISM.  See what I mean…it’s contradictory.  And to build the empire that has become Margaritaville doesn’t happen by sitting on a beach sipping margaritas all day.

My wife will be the first to tell you that I’m a walking contradiction.  There are certain things that act as a pacifier to me — sailing, the Caribbean, snowshoeing and snowboarding.  Stick one of those in my mouth and suddenly I’m content.

Otherwise, it’s constant.  My brain does not rest, and I’ve gotta be doing something.  I’m hoping this shiny new harmonica keeps me from drifting into constant work-mode…because I can’t be on a boat or a snowboard all the time.

But there’s another thing that has helped me slow down…it comes in the form of a daughter.

As I walked by the bathroom last night, I found myself standing and just watching with a big smile as Savannah stood on her little stool, wearing her pink and white cow print pajamas…brushing her teeth.  All by herself.  She is quite proud of this new ability.  The simplicity and the innocence of this nightly routine smacked me pretty hard in the face.  Time is moving, fast.  And I’m always moving, fast.

I wish both could slow down.

I don’t think there’s anyway of not being a walking contradiction.  Without the drive and work ethic, what happens to building a brand?  See what I mean.  I guess it comes down to walking the tightrope and managing the balancing act, which involves practicing what I preach with Snoloha.

My point?

I hope you are able to practice what I preach as well.

Slow down.  And “Don’t Blink“.

I turned on the evening news
Saw a old man being interviewed
Turning a hundred and two today
Asked him what’s the secret to life
He looked up from his old pipe
Laughed and said “All I can say is.”

Don’t blink
Just like that you’re six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you’re twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don’t blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your better half
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you’re praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don’t blink

I was glued to my TV and it looked like he looked at me and said
“Best start putting first things first.”
Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand
You can’t flip over and start again
Take every breathe God gives you for what it’s worth

I’ve been tryna slow it down
I’ve been tryna take it in
In this here today gone tomorrow world we’re livin’ in

Kenny Chesney “Don’t Blink”