Yes, it's true. So what?

Mahatma Ghandi said, "There is more to life than increasing its speed."

We read that and agree without much reflection. Why reflect? After all, it is already a profound truth; it does not need my attempt for improvement. Plus, giving it three seconds to soak in my mind is all I presently want to help me get through the rest of my day. There are many profound truths. This quote will eventually get replaced by another, no doubt, but not before it is forgotten. Remind me to pick up a daily calendar with "Wisdom Quotes" to put on my desk. Perhaps, I'll glance at the printed wit more than once a day, if that.

But what does that quote really mean? Why is it profound? Is it always true? To some, it conveys that deepening relationships with family and friends is more important than climbing the corporate ladder. To others, it expresses unselfish justification for seeking volunteer work. (It's about life, not me.) To a few, it means that following God's commandments takes priority over bending to the will of another human being.

Maybe we should reflect on this and other truths. Let's give it a try... Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for a pop-quiz! Please answer these questions personally and to yourself. For this exercise to mean anything (and not increase life's speed), please take five to ten minutes now and write down your answers.

1. What activities increase the speed of your life without adding to its quality?
   
   
2. Alternatively, what activities seem to slow life down by wasting or killing time?
   
   
3. What is it that you do that contributes or constitutes "more to life"?
   
   
4. What activities DON'T you do that you feel would contribute or constitute "more to life" if you did them?
   
   
5. How would you feel about exchanging the activities you listed that merely control the pace of your life with events that would add more to your life and/or the lives of others?
   
   
6. What would it take for you to make and keep a commitment to improving the quality of life around you?
   

Guess what! The pop-quiz was merely the beginning. Now comes the hard part: actually doing it! Get out of your comfort zone and step into the growth zone. Start small - baby steps even.

I once comforted a friend who was frustrated with his meaningless job that lacked proper training. Knowing something about his heart's desire, I asked what he would do if money were not an issue. What was his real dream? He answered, as I expected, about finishing his degree and going into counseling. But, he complained, he needed to save money first and it didn't seem feasible to go back to school or switch careers. I said, "Start walking in the direction of your dreams and a few doors may open up that you didn't even know existed." He did and they did. He is now doing what he loves helping others to love at all.

Perhaps, we recognize truth as being profound because it strikes that chord in us - we know it has something to do with love.