In the past few weeks alone, I’ve had more than one person tell me I’m a fast mover.
“That baby girl is just slowing you down. But not by much.”
“Girl, you are a fast preggo.”
I’ve always been this way. I walk fast, I talk fast, I eat fast, I type fast. And I get irritated when others are slow in any way, especially when it comes to walking. Some may even say I lack patience sometimes!
But these comments lately have made me laugh and pause because I’m finding that I want to slow down more. I’m clearly having a hard time.
I was talking to my colleague and friend Ros about this a few weeks ago, and we both said that slowing down makes us feel less productive. However, we both acknowledge that not every task requires us to finish in record time. The extra five minute won’t kill us! It’s more about intentionally deciding what needs to be done quickly because of deadlines, others being involved, etc. and what can be done more slowly.
I’m trying my hardest to apply this logic to my daily tasks…and it’s HARD! I’m so programmed to be quick that slowing down literally takes me talking to myself while doing most things as a reminder to not rush through.
Part of me is also very aware that this stage of life is one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. To be home, around family and friends. To raise beautiful and kind humans with someone I love and adore. I want to look back and say that I lived these years slowly and purposefully. I want to recall details. I want those around me to feel my presence.
This is going to require a lot of work. As I’ve shared, I’m trying to build a simple daily meditation practice. I’m telling myself to slow down all the time. And I’m also sharing this public post in the hopes that those who know me IRL keep me accountable to this important goal.
With that, I’m about to go through my skincare routine very slowly, enjoying the process. And then it’s time to hit the sack! Good sleep seems to be an important part of this too!
