Slow Down

It's something I have to be mindful of. It's something I have to be intentional about. It's something that I have to remind myself, in moments, multiple times a day. When I was younger the term my mother used was "you have a fast gate." I always did everything fast and finished things quickly. It was one of the things that developed my "okay I'm done, what's next" mentality.

I rarely slowed down and if I'm honest, I made small mindless mistakes because I did not think a whole lot, I just did. Yes, for as long as I can remember, I have been a doer and no one ever told me going too fast was a bad thing. Things got done, they got done well, and even when I made mistakes they weren't catastrophic so the behavior was praised and expected. Going fast in itself is not negative, but going so fast that you do not think through what needs to be done, or focusing on speed more than being present does impact us negatively.

My main question was always, how can I get this done as quickly and accurately as possible. It served it's purpose when we did timed multiplication in the fourth grade, I was ready to go outside before everyone because my chores were done first, and it made me good at most jobs because I learned quickly and I was efficient. However it did not serve that same purpose when I was a stay at home mom with a lot on my plate, there are important memories that are a blur and sometimes my husband has to fill in details for me, and at my current job showing that type of efficiency just meant I could handle more work. Each time it led to burnout and missed moments.

As I continue to get older, I understand the importance of slowing down. Moving too quickly for years has definitely taken a toll on my mind, and I find my hands some times getting ahead of my thoughts. Full presence has become a priority for me with my family, friends, those I serve, and with myself. I was hardly aware of how I was doing mentally and emotionally because I would just move past things with an assumption that I was okay. I didn't realize I rarely processed or celebrated accomplishments because once something was done, I was on to the next thing. It was the norm for me growing up, and it wasn't until my husband asked me why I didn't truly celebrate accomplishments that it dawned on me that I had sped through life and there was a lot, good and bad, that I had not processed.

Slowing down helps us process our lives, and creates an awareness of our needs. It allows us to assess success or perceived failure fully so that our lessons move us forward and help us avoid stagnation. It sharpens our patience so that we make better decisions, and it helps us consider how our decisions may impact others. Even when we are sure of a decision or outcome, slowing down helps us identify the best path to reach what we desire. We live in a world that moves quickly and changes daily. We have the power to create a personal world that moves at a more responsible pace. Fast is not good or bad, slow is not good or bad, but balance is the ultimate goal.

I encourage you to slow down today. Be fully present in each moment no matter how insignificant it may seem. Take a moment to look at your family and take it in before you rush off to school or work. When you pick up your coffee, genuinely ask the cashier how he or she is doing, and be prepared to listen patiently. Give your son or daughter a hug when you drop them off, and actually listen to their stories on the way to school. Slow down. Be present. It has its own rewards.