This line from an old Simon and Garfunkel tune comes to mind each day on our highways as drivers travel in excess of the speed limit and do crazy things like pass on solid lines, around curves. Where exactly do we need to be so quickly that safety goes out the window. Or what about simple consideration for other drivers? Frankly, there is nothing that important.

The world in which we live has us so involved and so busy doing “things” and trying to multi-task and be in three places at once that we tend to lose sight of the fact that we simply need to stop and enjoy the quiet for a few minutes.

Driving 70 mph and passing on a curve while talking on your cell phone and checking the box scores in the paper will eventually catch up with you. It’s not worth the cost should a vehicle larger than your own be coming around that curve or a deer talking a quick jaunt across your path causes all of the multi-tasking to stop at once.

Most of us are guilty of these infractions, or at least have been at one time or another. We all think our schedules are the most important and anyone who may be in the way should just move. But, remember, the other person shares the same mindset-his schedule is most important, too. If we simply leave a little earlier, take on a little less to accomplish and look out for the other guy with thoughtfulness and consideration rather than frustration and impatience, we would all feel a bit less stressed and would face less potential tragedy.

The challenge this week to all the Chronicle readers is: slow down…make the morning last. Stop and smell the proverbial roses that are in bloom all over town. Breath deep and enjoy a moment; you may find it should become a habit.