I’ve been feeling rushed lately…like there’s not enough hours in the day, not enough time to get everything done, not enough time with my children, with my husband, with my family close by. Too many errands, too many piles of laundry, too many things that I think I should be doing, too many places I think I should be going.
So, I’m stepping back. I’m slowing down. I’m getting up earlier, too. I’m doing my best to enjoy the life around me that deserves a pause or a second look—a lightshow after a hard downpour, sun pushing through the clouds, a little girl in pigtails blowing bubbles on my porch.
I’m staying home more. I’m not going out and getting sucked in to the swirl of errand-running do-it-alls. I’ll still take that trip to the grocery store, but just once this week. We’ll still stop at the library but maybe not until Saturday when the whole family can go.
I’m going to finally put some vegetables in the row my grandmother gave me in her garden. I’m going to fill that empty pot at the bottom of my steps with flowers. I’m going to sit and color with my four year old on my lap. I’ll let the dinner dishes soak until tomorrow morning, if it means lingering at the dinner table a little longer with my husband tonight.
I mean really, what is the rush? Where am I rushing to? Really, what can’t wait?
So here’s a wish for some space in your life. Some easy-breezy moments. More quiet. More calm. Join me and take notice, relish in a moment, slow down, feel satisfied with getting less ‘things’ done, but somehow more accomplished.
I’m not alone…it seems others are thinking about similar ideas too.
added post-post: as I was reading a few of the first comments on this post, I was thinking that I would love to see pictures, read stories about how you all find a peaceful, slow moment this weekend…I think it helps to see/hear how others find ways to step back and slow down. what do you think?
Hi Molly,Oh the challenge of finding balance and peace. YOGA is a powerful practice for me in experiencing each moment, my body, my breathe, everything around me.I have been mesmerized by a family of owls who have graced our big tree here in the desert for the past two weeks. I invite you to come by with the kids and enjoy the pictures of these Amazing creatures.Seeing your daughter blowing bubbles leaves me writing package of bubbles on my shopping list =)
Thanks, I needed that. I’ve been feeling cranky and irritable lately, overworked, undersleeped (that really should be a word) and too much unfinished projects and ideas piling up in my mind and on my tables. I’m going to take your example and try to slow down. Now, where are those crayons…?
Thank you. Lovely post and wonderful advice.
i will join you. thanks for putting things down so beautifully. and have a lovely weekend!
Thank you for writing about yours–and my!–need for a little easy breeziness. You’re right: what can’t wait?
I think every women have these thoughts in their lives. Me too 🙂 When it arrive I need nature, calm, simple pleasures and I take a deep breath. I look at my little Louis’face, give hand to him and to my husband and I’m in peace if you see what my weird english try to tell LOL !! You’re such a wonderful person ! Let time to time, life is so short, we don’t have to be in a hurry even if the dishes are still in the sink !! We got to live every minute like if it was the last, do’nt you think ?!! Have a sweet weekend my dear full of joy, peace and love 🙂 PS: I answered to your mail 🙂 Big smooches from Belgium where the rain feeds my garden !
Great resolution… indeed it’s necessary sometimes to make yourself look at all the beautiful things around you!
That rainbow just changed my whole day. Really. How could I have forgotten about them.
I would have commented earlier today, but I had to finish coloring a picture with my kids. It was great – something I normally don’t have “time” to do (or is it patience?). We colored in every inch of the page, something new to them. They loved it. The baby slept through it, so it must have been a good thing to do. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and motivating us all to take a step back and do the things that REALLY matter, instead of the things that we are in the habit of doing!
I love this. It really made me think. I think the only thing that makes me feel frusterated and rushed lately is being on the computer. I’m always trying to type something quickly before the kids have a complete meltdown, it bugs me to be like this. Great idea about this weekend!! Thanks for insiring us to live in the moment and take some time to enjoy life.
I hear that. When I lived in Italy I was so in awe of their ability to take it easy. Living in New York was in direct contrast to that – I was constantly amazed at the ability to make mountains out of molehills and rush rush everywhere. I’ll take the Italians way any day of the week. Life’s too short!
I’ve been in the same boat as well. something about spring makes me re-evaluate… there is just too much great weather to not just get outside and play. I find myself on the computer a whole lot less. and when i get on it is usually not till afternoon naps or evening… it is so hard for me not to sweat being the “perfect wife and mother”… I read stuff like the flygirl site and get overwhelmed at the idea of how i could pack more in my day to be that perfect woman…. but i just don’t think that is all god cares about you know? I remember being little and longing for my parents to play with me. And they did, but if I had it my way it would have been all the time. Those times mean so much to the kiddos. I know, cause i remember- it vividly.
Gosh Molly this is a great post, all of it really hits home. Why are we all feeling so rushed these days? I agree with you, I’m trying to really relish the feeling of my kids being tucked into bed here at home each night, and being present and there with them, not just orbiting around the room. So so much in our daily lives can wait. Thanks for the reminder dear heart.
I forgot to mention that the first picture up there is absolutely priceless!
I forgot to mention that the first picture up there is absolutely priceless!
I couldn’t agree more. I am always sweating over what I didn’t get done today. I go back to work full-time in 9 weeks after spending a wonderful 9 months with my baby daughter. It’s time to stop and smell those figurative roses! Stop, stop, stop. Just sit down and play and so what if there are fluff monsters all over the house from lack of cleaning? SHe likes chasing them around anyway!!
Me: I’ve had anxious moments, and this past week has definitely been really busy for me.
I’m trying to slow down and take more photos. Like I used to in my pre-child days. And already it feels like a cloud has lifted…
I guess it’s a matter of finding your thing and doing it, right?
Great Post.Really, how many times should I run to the grocery store per week. Once should be my max. Or Target trips. Once – or every other week – should be my goal.Oh…the goals, the goals!
I hear you loud and clear. Love the rainbow pic.
i’ll bet there are alot of usthat feel the same way,in the same frenetic boat.
and i love that you added the pictures…sometimes a visual reminderis so needed….
🙂
Just started my own blog to savor those moments. I realized I needed to be slowing down and “seeing” my life. So I just started writing my reminders.
great post and photographs. you reminded me to take out anne morrow lindbergh’s “gift from the sea” collecting stories and pictures is a wonderful idea.