09/23/2026
I had the opportunity recently to catch up with an old friend over dinner. It had been roughly 10 years since we had seen each other and more than that since we’ve spent any real time talking. Both married, he has three kids and a job where he travels a lot. I have no kids, and three jobs. It was so great to just sit and connect. We both had our phones, but neither of us had them out.
He told me about this book he had read, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. About how he was making a conscious effort to slow down and be more present.
We all know I love a book rec, so I immediately went to Libby and put the audio on hold.
Jon Ortberg is a pastor out of Texas. Formerly of a mega church. My friend told me this, so I was prepared for the religious thread woven deep into the message of this book. I think it is important to note, as this might turn many people off. And, whereas it was very Jesus forward, it was not overly “religious” in my opinion. He links idea of The Sabbath, (a sabbatical, taking time to rest and reset) to mindfulness, and prayer to meditation. These concepts and links are not new to me, yet his approach and personal reasoning was a refreshing reminder as to why this is important. Jon also gives real life examples of small ways we can start this practice in our every day life. Things that will probably make us uncomfortable at first, and yet might open up whole new worlds for us. Things as simple as not pulling out your phone in the grocery line.
Jon is sincere in his writing, and an eloquent speaker. This audio paired nicely with my other current read “The Molecule of More” (a book about dopamine!)
Working retail and lean operations for years, my team and I constantly watched as people RUSHED to get things done, only to realize something was off, and they had to go back and start over. We always said “we have to slow down to go fast”. If you are feeling outpaced by consumerism, or the overall state of the world, I recommend giving this book a listen.
