Just slow down

I was rushing around last Saturday, like I usually do. We had gone out kayaking on Friday and I was tired so I had slept late on Saturday.  I had a bunch of errands to do. Usually, I am up and at it early and get everything done by 10 am. This is a way to beat the crowds and traffic. (Yes, there are crowds and traffic even in my small suburban town.)

Before I do my errands, I love to exercise. No surprise there. I did my 90 minute “pod” walk, which consists of fast walking to a guided cardio workout. I then do 90 minutes of barre. I just love how these two exercises compliment each other. And believe or not, they help me relax. But, not for long.

So, I’m at the local farm stand, intending to rush in and out. But, I see a former neighbor sitting at one of the outside tables;  he is just sitting and enjoying a nice cup of coffee and the bright sunshine. He is one of the nicest people I know, so I just had to stop and talk to him. As soon as I started talking to him, I felt myself relax. We spoke for several minutes.

I then went further into the farm stand to buy our local corn and yellow beans. Once again I am rushing. But, I run into a former client. She is a lovely person, so I just had to stop and talk to her.

As I (finally!) got back to my car, I realized that these meetings were a sign for me to STOP and SLOW DOWN and ENJOY LIFE. After all, what’s the rush?

I don’t know what else it will take for me to learn to slow down. What about you? How do you make yourself slow down?

Image is courtesy of Thomas Hawk , under Creative Commons Licensing.