Slowing Down

I love going away on vacation.   It gives me something to look forward to, a chance to explore a new place, possibly a new culture, time with my family, but most significantly, it allows me to change how I view time.   Out of my daily routine, the pace of life seems to slow down.   And with that I feel like a different person - I feel connected to who I truly am.

Recently, I've observed people who live their lives in a hurry.   While driving, it's quite easy to tell - they're speeding, switching lanes to get ahead or honking at you to go faster.   At work, colleagues speak in quick, harsh tones or check their watches to see how much time they have left. Airports create a hurried feeling because of the consequences of missing your flight.   Fast food chains were created for those without a lot of time - with drive-thru convenience so you don't even have to get out of your car. I feel the stress of this type of life just writing about it.

What kind of changes could you make to slow down?

Some things I find helpful include:

• Start your day by mapping out what you need to accomplish and attach realistic time frames to each item


• Eliminate things in your life that deplete you of your energy and add things that you really enjoy


• Take 30 minutes each day for exercise, meditation or reading an inspirational book


• Reduce your intake of caffeine


• Arrive early to an appointment and bring a magazine article you've been meaning to read to pass the time


• Shift your thoughts around time - say affirmations to yourself about having enough time, especially when you feel you don't -- I.E.   I have plenty of time to prepare for the meeting and be on time.


• Simplify - unload clutter from your office and home

Allowing yourself to slow down brings about a shift. Instead of life leading you, you begin to live life the way you intend.