You ever find yourself in the middle of life, juggling work, family, and a million other things, and suddenly realize you haven’t taken a breather in what feels like forever? That was me not too long ago. Between the whirlwind of a busy job and the recent heaviness of loss in my life, I decided it was time to hit pause and create some space for reflection. Spoiler alert: it was just what I needed.
The Decision to Slow Down
After four years since losing my son, two months since my brother passed from cancer, and just a few weeks since saying goodbye to a dear friend, I knew I had to carve out some time for myself. I needed to reflect on the chaos of my thoughts and feelings without the noise of daily life. So, I took a week off—not for a big vacation or to check off items on my to-do list, but simply to slow down and breathe.
I was lucky enough to have a friend offer her cozy cabin at Innsbrook, just an hour away. Picture this: a quaint retreat surrounded by nature, where the leaves were starting to turn, and the air had that crisp autumn feel. It felt like the perfect backdrop for a little introspection.
The Art of Doing Nothing (But Not Really)
Now, you might think taking a week to slow down sounds easy-peasy, but trust me, it’s not. At first, I found myself getting antsy. What do I do with all this time? I had a whole list of things I could accomplish—organize my closet, catch up on work emails, maybe even tackle that pile of books I’ve been meaning to read. But instead, I decided to embrace the art of doing nothing.
And let me tell you, I spent three whole hours just staring out the window, watching leaves flutter down like nature’s confetti. It was oddly freeing. I let my mind wander, remembering my son, my brother, and my friend, allowing myself to feel all the emotions that came with those memories. I realized that slowing down doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means allowing yourself the space to just be.
Practical Tips for Slowing Down
If you’re feeling the weight of life pressing down on you, here are some practical ways to create your own slow-down time:
- Find Your Space: Whether it’s a cabin in the woods or a cozy corner of your living room, create a space that feels comforting to you.
- Schedule It: Just like you would an important meeting, schedule time to slow down. It can be as simple as a Saturday morning or an evening after work.
- Disconnect: Turn off your phone or leave it in another room. The world can wait while you take a moment for yourself.
- Be Mindful: Try mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep breathing. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through it.
- Engage Your Senses: Go outside and really take in your surroundings. Listen to the rustle of leaves, feel the breeze on your face, or even indulge in some baking and savor the smell of freshly baked cookies.
- Reflect in Writing: Journaling can be a powerful tool. Write about your feelings, memories, or simply jot down the things you’re grateful for. It can provide clarity and peace.
- Lean on Resources: Check out podcasts that focus on slowing down and mindfulness. A few of my favorites are:
- The Mindful Kind
- On Being with Krista Tippett
- The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
- Give Yourself Grace: Remember, it’s okay to take time for yourself. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Life is messy, and that’s perfectly fine.
The Importance of Reflection
Slowing down isn’t just about taking a break; it’s about giving ourselves permission to reflect on what truly matters. It allows us to process our emotions and connect with the deeper parts of ourselves that often get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Taking the time to grieve, to remember, and to reflect is crucial, especially as we face various losses. Grief isn’t linear, and it doesn’t have an expiration date. It can come in waves, and we need to give ourselves the space to navigate those waters.
So, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or lost in the shuffle, I encourage you to take a page from my book and slow down. Whether it’s for a few hours or a few days, create space for yourself. Your mind and heart will thank you for it.
Remember, slowing down isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a courageous act of self-care. Here’s to embracing the moments, the memories, and even the grief, with the understanding that we’re all in this together, navigating the twists and turns of life.
Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to leave a little room for stillness. You deserve it.