A Time to Have Time

Well, if you know me, or have picked up on this from reading my blog… I like to keep a full schedule. Sometimes it is over full, but most of the time I have made it through just full enough. This summer I have taken a step back. I have been taking time to sit on my new patio and read, journal, drink my coffee, and enjoy being.

In case you did not notice, or are unaware, August starts this week…

I almost can’t believe it. I feel like this year each hour has shaved off some time, each week a day, and life keeps on going faster and faster. How do we get it to slow down? — We slow down.

By slowing down… I have noticed that I can enjoy my time alone more rather than just using my alone time to rest because I was working hard.

By slowing down… I have paid better attention to what I am eating and how much I am eating to make sure I am adjusting to what my body needs rather than what my head thinks I want.

By slowing down… I have had more meaningful conversations with family and friends.

By slowing down… I have learned more about myself and how to depend on myself while also depending on others who in turn depend on me.

With slowing down… my time is still moving fast — and I am able to be happy.

As the school year (or dance season) starts up again, whether your world revolves around that schedule or not, I hope that we all make some time to breathe. Slow down. And enjoy what is happening around us right now. I hope we dream about the future. I hope we lean into whatever emotions are swirling around in control of our heads so that we can breathe through the moment allowing it to pass. I hope we can all slow down and enjoy the end of summer as it comes quickly.

What is one thing you can do (or quit doing) today to help you slow down?

“It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol.” – Brene Brown

“Once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much more life she had time for.” – Margaret Matheny

“It is important to remind yourself that this is not a race. Do what you can today. You will get to where you are going. Progress happens in layers. – Audrey Kitching