Ok before we get this started I need to confess to you that I have spent my whole life rushing into things, and although some of those actions have proven to be exciting, sometimes necessary to avoid missing out or over analysing and getting stuck, the negative consequences of rushing in too soon have mostly outweighed the good.
I’ve lost money, ended up in awful, detrimental relationships, got stuck in the wrong job/career, lived in places that sucked all my energy and been hurt by people who I thought were genuine friends - this is just a snap shot of what I’ve encountered.
But this post isn't about throwing a verbal pity party for me and my poor judgement in the past, it’s about celebrating the benefits of slowing down and why it might feel better for you right now.
So why slow down then?
Well, the 21st century has seen the world turn into a 24/7 culture where instant gratification has become normal and expected. We live for the likes on social media, constantly spewing out content and seeking out the latest new thing to share with our online world. We indulge in fast food and instant beverages, open all hours shops and business. We can decide to visit anywhere in the world because transport links are so far and wide and with technology at our side we can connect to anything we want to get, see or participate in whenever we want.
Not to mention our social life, workload and family responsibilities piled on top of this, life is full and bursting to the seams and it can feel like you have to constantly be in full speed ahead mode to keep up with it all.
When life gets fast and furious you put ourselves at risk of either burning out or making a mistake that goes against your better judgement or later regret because you didn’t take the time to pause and think things through.
As the world around you continues to change you will constantly be given challenges or scenarios that you will need to navigate to keep living your life. It may feel tempting to rush into making a decision or acting in a certain way, some might be very inviting giving off the illusion of instant gratification but this is where I gently nudge you to stop for a moment and consider all the possibilities on offer and really reflect on what will ultimately give you long term peace and satisfaction.
Slowing down means more time to ground yourself in your thoughts, researching and reflecting on your opinions, ideas and behaviour. Slowing down encourages you to listen to your mind and body and gives you space to consider what really matters and not impulsively acting on your initial reaction.
Doesn’t it make sense to take the time to really slow yourself down when life starts moving too fast?
How can we connect to that #slowliving lifestyle?
So what does slow living look like when your world starts to speed up then?
Well, recognising the signs is a good start, feeling tired, overwhelmed and stretched are all good indicators that you are finding it hard to keep up and are ready to hit pause. Also look out for situations when you find yourself following the crowd for sake of trend or popularity or find your decisions being swayed by others for their benefit rather than yours. Influence can be a tricky thing and if we fall under the wrong side of it there maybe unpleasant consequences to bare.
Another factor to consider is why, what does rushing into this situation bring you? Are you craving instant gratification, does this decision promise you feel good benefits you can’t live without or are you just trying to plicate are story in your head?
When you know what, why and when you can start to take steps to slow yourself down.
Slow living is a personal thing too so you get to control how it looks for you.
You can try out different ways of doing things like changing your routine or by removing a scenario that doesn’t currently serve you. Choosing to do nothing is also sometimes choosing to do the thing you really need to. Slow living can be a simple as taking time out in the afternoon to switch off your phone and read a book, bake a cake or potter in the garden, another way to tap into this energy is to meditate too. It always amazes me how much people feel they need to cram into their down time each week, I know so many people who plan out every moment of their weekend but when do they get a chance to just be with themselves?
It can also mean changing the way you work or show up for your business, how you enjoy your hobbies or engage in relationships. Maybe you can connect with someone who is already seeking out ways to slow down and gain some inspiration from them.
How you show up in the world and in your local community can also influence your slow living lifestyle, ask yourself do you really need to rush into this situation today? Do you really need to make that decision right now and if you do grant yourself a bit more time and space to really reflect and ask questions before you do. Does this reflect my core values? Does this support the person I want to be or the life I want to lead?
Slowing down any aspect of your life, even if it’s just for a while, can give you the grace to keep moving forward in the best way possible, keeping you connected the things that are meaningful and important to you.
And above all else, taking time off every once in a while to just be still is the best gift you can give yourself.
Do you feel like it might be time to slow yourself down?
Get in touch at 365pearlsofwisdom@gmail.com I’d love to know how your slowing down lately!
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