Where Are We Rushing To?

I notice I use words like, “Let me tell you this story real quick.” Or “I’m going to run to the store.” Or I catch myself telling my 3-year-old, “Hurry up, we are going to be late.” Or “Come on, Kestan, we gotta get going.”Ick. Tired. Blah. Done.I’m done with rushing.  I’m making a choice to STOP.  This past week I’ve practiced every day – walking slower, moving slower, being…slower.  I notice it’s pretty hard.  My natural tendency in the morning is to bounce out of bed and start the day with excitement and thoughts of what are we going to do today? And usually if I have a morning plan – say story time, meeting friends for breakfast, doctor’s appointment, whatever – there is this feeling of urgency.  WE ARE GOING TO BE LATE IF WE DON’T GET IN THE CAR RIGHT NOW!

Yuck.

And I think it’s actually why I hardly ever make plans to be anywhere in the morning (at least before 10) because I can’t stand rushing my kids.  So I’ve been moving more at their pace.  And yes, it’s hard not to say, “Hurry up.  Let’s go,” especially when I’m ready to move on.  BUT, the more I practice it, the easier it is becoming.

And I’m noticing I actually am more productive and have less irritation when I move slower.

Doesn’t that seem kind of funny?  But think about it, when you are running late to work or getting the kids off to school and you are running all over the house to get ready, isn’t that the time when you spill the milk inside the refrigerator or place your keys somewhere that you’ll never find again?

Sure, I can still sense my restlessness (Come on already, why does it take you so long to get in your car seat!?)  But, these kids know something.  When you let them lead the way and set the pace, everyone seems a bit more peaceful.

On this day in the woods we spontaneously went out on an adventure.  I left my phone in the car on purpose, mostly to prevent myself from taking more photos (since I’m still clearing clutter and have over 1000 pictures on my phone yet to clear), but I also loved not knowing what time it was.

We played.

We let the kids lead the way.

And time stood still.

It just didn’t matter what we were doing, where we were going or what time we were going to get there.

Sure, there are many moments in our daily lives when we have to be somewhere at a certain time. Yet, I’m wondering if we can get there without all the rushing.  Can we move about our day with less urgency, less worry, and less stress about what the future will bring?  Can we find the peace that comes from slowing down?

I guess I’m willing to try.

Your Personal Reflection:  Do you rush through your day with a sense of urgency? Where are you going?  Notice your pace today.  Try walking a little slower wherever you go.  Try breathing a little deeper and fuller.  Notice how that feels when you slooooooooow down.

(Psst…I’ve posted the dates for my next Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course.  Registration opens December 5th.  I hope you will slow down and make some space in your life to join us!)