Recently, I wrote about living with French style, CLICK HERE and it’s interesting that the thing that people most identified with was a life lived too fast, walking through the day without paying attention to it, rushing through meals, without tasting the food, and speeding to destinations without enjoying the journey.
I get that and I think all busy people can relate to it. I thought it was worth a bit more discussion.
Whether you are looking for more of a French lifestyle or not, I think we could all benefit from slowing down, and enjoying the small things in our day. This is especially meaningful to me after my recent trip to the mountains of North Carolina. Our friends there ask us all the time when we are moving there. We can’t right now, but I do think about it. The pace there is slower, gentle, and unhurried.
It seems that a rushed, hurried life is glorified in today’s world. The message seems to be, if you aren’t busy, then maybe you aren’t important. That’s crazy! It’s true that I used to work nonstop for years. I wondered if there was something more to life, than constant work. And so about a year ago, I began to transform my life into something much more balanced. I wanted to focus on good physical and mental health. Healthy living has become an important focus for me – healthy, organic meals with less meat. I try to eat vegan for breakfast and lunch. I’ve replaced most of the toxic cleaners and other products in our home with nontoxic cleaners and bug repellants. I try to avoid buying processed foods. To make these changes, I needed to declutter my schedule, so I had time dedicated to making these changes.
Another thing I’ve done is to add rest, and time with friends into my week. If I’m tired, rather than pushing myself like I used to, I stop and rest. That’s so important for my health (and really anybody’s.) If I had to sum it up, I would say I’m striving to have balance in my life. Am I happier now? Yes! It really is true that the things that make us the happiest can’t be bought.
One podcast I found that you might enjoy is the Slow Home, CLICK HERE. They are all about slowing down to de-stress and enjoy life. It’s an interesting listen if you want to hear how this couple does it. I can’t tell you how life changing it has been for me to slow down and really appreciate every day as a gift. Slowing down has allowed me to not only enjoy everyday happenings, but it also has given me time to get things under control that were driving me nuts like my filing, bill paying, laundry, and dishes. Now I try to get all filing done at the end of each day. I have time to fold the laundry right away rather than a week later. My life no longer feels chaotic and out of control. I am saying ‘no’ much more often now. I know a lot of things in our schedules are out of our control, especially if you have a fulltime job, but there are probably many decisions you can make to reduce stress in your life, if you choose to. You can remove unnecessary things from your schedule and add in time to just relax or spend time with family and friends.
I figure what is the accomplishing all of these things, if you don’t have time to actually enjoy them? I remember the celebration when I finished my book lasted all of 5 minutes. That’s because I had so much to do at that point to start promoting it. My work is still a big part of my life, but it isn’t my entire life. I didn’t mean for it to become my life, but it had to some extent. I am not ready to retire (far from it) but it just makes sense to create balance in my life. I am making an effort to see friends and it feels so luxurious! I’m cooking again, and I am falling in love with the simple joy of preparing a meal. I’m no longer working until midnight. My life feels much more manageable, unlike a few years ago when it felt like I was on a runaway train.
Living a slow life isn’t about not having ambition or giving up on life, it’s about life balance. I think Ferris Bueller said it best.
You are so right, Anita, about the value of “living slower”. I am retired, have had my 75th birthday and have some health problems that have forced me to live slower. But I don’t mind it. I was without a car for three years and I did mind that! But now that I have one again I don’t really use it that much. I am a homebody to begin with so I only use my car primarily for necessary errands and visiting friends or family. Sometimes when I get impatient to “get things done” I wish for the old energy and stamina that used to allow me to fill my days fuller than they should have been. But that isn’t very often! I wish I could go back and slow down some of those days!
Anyway, I just wanted to say that I think you are on the right track and wish you much success and enjoyment “living slow.”
Anita, you are so right! About 13 years ago my husband and I decided to sell our home in California and move to a small ranch in Idaho. He is able to work from home and I get to do all the things I enjoy, cooking, gardening, helping those in need, visiting the grandkids, etc. It was one of the best decisions in our lives. I am so thankful I was able to get out of the rat race before it took its toll on our health. I am able to eat healthier and get my exercise by taking long walks, hiking and working in the garden. I am 59 years old and am healthier than when I was in my 40’s!
Thank you for the excellent post, you have made the right choices when you aim for balance in your life. You won’t ever regret it.
You are so right, Anita!! Most of us don’t really take time to smell the flowers as we race through life.
As a 79 year old mother and grandmother to seven, several of whom have special needs, it seems I have been in the fast lane for the past fifty years! Out of necessity, I am finally slowing down, pacing myself, and rewarding myself with more quiet times I think it is an adjustment to my grown children who still seem to think I should jump to all of their whims as I once did. I am gradually learning to sleep in a little later, let a few chores slide on some days, and give myself happy times with friends. Life is too short to
let it pass without enjoying it. I have spent most of my adult life being a caregiver to many but now must learn to say no without guilt.
The longer we live, the more likely we grasp the points you are making. This beautiful balance is key to life! Thank you for expressing the fine points. The benefits of slow living reap huge rewards.