Getting Locked Out My House Changed My Life

A moment of unexpected introspection: the experience of being locked out led to profound personal growth and new perspectives on life.

When I was 18, I was working long shifts at Best Buy, hustling hard to invest money in Mind Elevation. I had the vision, but I still needed the equipment and marketing to bring it to life. I was constantly in motion, physically and mentally. Every day was a rush to get things done and taken care of. But moving so fast started to catch up with me in ways I didn’t expect. I’d eat so quickly I’d bite my tongue or cut the inside of my mouth.The urgency wasn’t just in my schedule — it was in my body, my mind, and my mistakes.

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Then one day, life hit pause for me — and tested my energy in the best way.

I got off work early, which felt like a gift. Finally, some extra time to get stuff done. I loved squeezing as much into the day as I could, even if I wasn’t always wise about it. But when I got home, I realized I didn’t have my house key.

Frustration hit me hard. I knew exactly why — I’d been moving too fast, too eager to get to the next thing, and I left my keys inside. At the time I had two roommates which were still at work. So I was stuck outside with nothing but myself and the blazing sun.

I could’ve gone to a family member’s house to wait. I could’ve distracted myself. But instead, I made a different choice.

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I chose to sit in the mess I created. Right there, outside in the hot sun.

From 2 PM until about 10 PM — a whole shift’s worth of time — I sat and reflected. No phone calls, no shade, no distractions. Just me and my impatience.

I asked myself: Why am I always in such a rush? Why can’t I slow down and just take my time? How many parts of my life are moving fast just because I let this habit run unchecked?

That day changed something deep inside me. After that, I intentionally started slowing myself down — my eating, my talking, my thoughts. I slowed the mental clock I had built to rush through life. I didn’t like being late, and still don’t, but I began to treat time differently.

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I made a ritual out of leaving the house. I’d sit and pull everything out of my pockets one by one — wallet, phone, keys — saying each out loud as I held it. “I have my keys. I have my phone.” I’d take my time, really feel each item. Even when I had everything, I wouldn’t get up right away. I’d sit and review again, deepening the lesson in patience and presence before finally moving.

This practice stayed with me for months, years even, rewiring how I move through life.

Now, I eat slower. I take my time with tasks. I don’t get bent out of shape if something doesn’t happen perfectly or right away. I’m no longer at war with time.

Getting locked out of my own house? It changed my life. It forced me to slow down and reflect.

And after that day, I always made sure I had more than one key — so I’d never have to learn that lesson the hard way again.

Sometimes, it takes being stuck in the heat, forced to sit with yourself, to realize that slowing down is the real hustle.

Mind Elevation Moment

In the fast-paced world we inhabit today, it's common for individuals to find themselves hurrying through various aspects of their lives. This can manifest in numerous contexts, such as at work, during personal relationships, or even in daily routines. Consider your own life for a moment: where do you find yourself rushing through tasks or interactions without fully engaging in the experience? Perhaps you often feel the pressure of deadlines, leading you to complete projects hastily, or maybe you find your conversations with loved ones are cut short as you juggle multiple responsibilities. This tendency to rush can diminish the quality of our experiences, leaving us feeling unfulfilled or disconnected.

Embracing stillness and focus, a man enjoys a quiet moment with a book, embodying the essence of "Mind Elevation."

Now, take a moment to reflect on the potential impact of slowing down. What if you consciously chose to pause, breathe, and immerse yourself fully in the present moment? By doing so, you might discover a newfound appreciation for the intricate details that often go unnoticed in your hurried state. For instance, when engaging in a conversation, slowing down allows you to listen more intently, fostering deeper connections and understanding with others. In a work setting, taking the time to thoroughly engage with a project can lead to more thoughtful outcomes, enhanced creativity, and a greater sense of accomplishment.

Embracing mindfulness, she enjoys a serene moment sketching in the park, fully immersed in the peaceful surroundings.

Moreover, embracing a slower pace can contribute significantly to your overall well-being. It encourages mindfulness, which has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation. By giving your full attention to each moment, you cultivate a sense of presence that can transform mundane tasks into meaningful experiences. Imagine savoring your morning coffee, noticing the warmth of the cup in your hands, the aroma wafting up, and the rich flavors as you take each sip. These moments of mindfulness can enrich your life in ways that rushing simply cannot.

In conclusion, consider the areas of your life where you might benefit from a more deliberate approach. What changes could you initiate today to embrace a slower, more mindful existence? By actively choosing to slow down and engage fully with each moment, you not only enhance your own life but also positively influence those around you, creating a ripple effect of awareness and connection.