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.
MyStoriesWithMusic
September 20, 2017
This is so true, we really should slow down….I admit I find it hard sometimes 🙂
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Nancy Loderick
September 25, 2017
Hi there,
It is hard for most of us to slow down, especially in this crazy, connected 24/7 world!
Nancy
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JUDY RODGERS
September 22, 2017
Hi Nancy, always enjoy your posts—full of energy and inspiration! Yoga, deep breathing and visualization (mostly of being at the beach), help me slow down.
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Nancy Loderick
September 25, 2017
Hi Judy,
Thanks for your thoughts. There is something so calming about deep breathing. That is, if I can remember to do it! 🙂
Nancy
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loujen haxm'Yor
September 23, 2017
I’ll put on a new age or relaxation cd while reclining, which often puts me into about an hour nap. Or I’ll pick up my acoustic guitar and try remembering an old Beatles’ tune. Or I’ll sit back and read from some author, whose works I’ve never read– the latest being Mark Twain, whom I mistakenly thought only wrote Huckleberry Finn genre… only to find out he covered many topics including fantasy. Have a wonderful day, Nancy.
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Nancy Loderick
September 25, 2017
Hi Loujen,
Great ideas for slowing down and relaxing!
Nancy
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PurplePumpernickel
September 26, 2017
Thank you for the reminder to breathe and enjoy the people around us. Sometimes The List gets the better of me, and it is good to take a step back!
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Nancy Loderick
September 26, 2017
Hi Purple Pumpernickel,
Thanks so much for your comment. I know exactly what you mean by that list! 😉
Nancy
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sunshinysa
October 2, 2017
I think you wrote this for me 🙂
Sometimes I only slow down when I’m asleep.
Now my blog keeps me happy and balanced.
… when I crochet. That is so good for me.
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Nancy Loderick
October 3, 2017
Hi Sunshineysa,
Thanks so much for your comment. Glad to hear that you have an activity that makes you happy. 🙂
Nancy
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