"Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last."
- Simon and Garfunkel
As yet another month is about to fly by us and we find ourselves hurtling toward the end of the year, what I've found myself embracing lately is slowing down. That's been a bit of a challenge this month, as it's been a very busy one, but I've found that I have never regretted stopping to appreciate the moment.
In a very literal way, slowing down has proved to be beneficial. I had been struggling to get back to being able to run more than a mile and a half without having to stop to catch my breath, and I realized that if I slowed down my pace just a bit, I could probably increase my endurance -- and that's just what happened. On Friday, I was able to run more than three miles before I pause to walk and catch my breath, and I found that in general I needed less recovery time. My speed was slower, but I was able to run more because I needed shorter walking times, and so I managed to cover six miles in less than an hour (usually it takes me a few minutes more than an hour to cover the same distance). My goal in running has always been to be able to run longer rather than faster, so this makes me very happy.
Slowing down this month has also meant really appreciating the moments that can go by so quickly: Mo's musical performances, Thanksgiving with the whole family, and get-togethers with family and friends. This is especially the case when it comes to my nephews, who are growing so quickly. Mo and I were talking last night and realized that we'd spent some of five consecutive days with my youngest nephew after not seeing him for a couple of weeks due to illness (he had croup, she had a cold).
And we got to celebrate my middle nephew's first birthday yesterday and appreciate the fact that he's only crawling and doesn't move too fast (in comparison to my oldest nephew, who spent much of the party running around the house).
There will be a lot going on between now and the end of the year -- work deadlines, synagogue meetings, holidays, a 14th birthday, and a trip to Florida -- but I'm determined not to rush it.
Thanks to Carolyn for hosting these monthly One Little Word check-ins. I can't believe there's only one more month in 2023 and it will soon be time to choose a new word!
Seems like slowing down has really worked for you. Your nephews are adaorable.
ReplyDeleteIt can be a challenge to go slow in today's world, but it's been a good practice this past month!
DeleteThis is such excellent advice for *any word* Sarah, but I think slowing down is one of the most challenging thing for women especially. The benefits of slowing down... even in the onslaught of busy of daily life is so important! Even if it is just a few brief moments. Bravo to you!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like slowing down has made a real difference, as shown by your running example. As someone whose children have grown up and are living their own lives, I would say savor every moment possible!
ReplyDeleteYour running experience feels like a significant 'aha!' moment, Sarah! So wise to consider your goal/purpose in running--and what a difference it makes when you align your actions with that! It makes perfect sense -- but is easy to resist/ignore if we hold ourselves to a general standard instead of a personal one.
ReplyDeleteYou capture fabulous photos of that baby boy (and his beaming cousin!). So glad you're slowing down enough to enjoy the moments with all the [rapidly] growing kids. 14!?!
I think many of us are figuring out ways to slow down our lives. The world comes at us so fast. Our heads get filled with so much busy-ness.
ReplyDeleteAt times it can seem near impossible to slow down (I'm looking at work!!). Yet, it does make such a tremendous difference. Mo is turning 14??? How can that be? Love that pic of her holding you littlest nephew. Great smiles. and the 1 year olf? Love that picture with food everywhere! LOL
ReplyDeleteThe little guys are darling but that photo of Mo with her cousin is just the sweetest. It's hard to believe she is turning fourteen. Slowing down to go further, whether running or just in general, sounds like a good bit of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteOh! Those little boys!!!! XOXO When I look back over my years, the years you're "in" right now (working, active mothering - of a busy teen, volunteer commitments, home/life, yada yada . . . ) were the hardest years for me to find any space to "slow down." So bravo to you for managing it -- or, at least, understaning the value in trying. I always enjoy reading your "embrace" posts! Such a great word for you.
ReplyDeleteOf all the lessons you've shared with your word this year, this is my favorite ... so much of everything right now seems FAST, and it's not serving any of us. Seeing those smiles (in person) and actually enjoying them is a wonderful gift of slowing down. as is your running endurance. wow. and yay you!
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