Slowing Down the High-Speed Train

This is the time of year where I get a reality check on just how much I have going on and just how badly I manage it sometimes. My two boys have just started their football season, school starts in a week, and of course there is work, the house, the puppy, etc. In the end, I feel like I am so busy that I can’t attend to any of my responsibilities the way I should; that I’m simply running around like crazy just trying to maintain the status quo.

To me, I feel like I’m on a high-speed train and I can’t get off. While I realize that we live the life we choose, I do sometimes need to slow things down- just for a bit- to catch my breath and find a moment of sanity. If there is anyone out there feeling a little overwhelmed, here are some ideas to slowing down your train and getting some much-needed recharge time.

• Absolutely make NO plans on one weekend day. Don’t tell anyone where you are, and don’t make yourself available that day to anyone but yourself. Then, do your most favorite thing (hiking, baking, running, sleeping, etc.).

• Turn your bathroom into a “mini-getaway”. Decorate with candles, add some music, etc. Find your favorite aromatherapy scents and oils and draw yourself a bath. Take your time, listen to the music, read a book… but most importantly be in the moment.

• Go for a walk. Don’t think about what you have to do, what you didn’t do… those are all past and future thoughts. Be in the PRESENT. Only think about what is happening to you in that moment. What do you see? What do you smell? What does the sky look like? Give yourself a break from worrying about everything else and just enjoy the walk.

• Call up a friend that you haven’t seen in ages because you’re too busy and get together. Go see a movie, go play golf- whatever it is that the two of your most enjoy.

• Do something spontaneous. Get in your car and just drive (or get on the bus). Just go. Don’t have a plan, just drive and let things happen however they happen. You might be surprised what your day will turn into if you let it develop on its own.

There are endless possibilities for taking the time to slow down and just… breathe. The main point here is to make sure that you do it. If you never stop to enjoy the present, then what exactly is the point of all that we do? Enjoy the present, worry less about the future and worry NOT about the past.

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