I’m sitting on the couch, reading a magazine. I’m not accomplishing anything.
There are definitely things I “should” be doing. I should be getting some work done. I should be following up with clients and potential clients. I should be building my social media platform. I should be writing a blog post – the post that’s supposed to post in under two hours.
But I’m sipping my tea, thumbing through the pages, getting nothing done.
I walked into town this afternoon to run a few quick errands. Deposit check at bank? Check. Mail manuscript off? Check. Buy a sympathy card? Check. Pick up a loaf of bread? Check. I was doing everything I needed to do (except for maybe the work and building my platform and writing my post).
But I was dragging. Sure it’s cold out and I pretty much hate the cold. I had thought the walk would invigorate me and brighten my mood, and it did. But I was still dragging.
It took me a few long minutes to figure out that I was dragging because I was tired. Over the holidays I had promised my brother that I would keep my slower, easier pace, and in many ways I have, but as I headed to town I realized that I was drained, and that I needed to go even easier. Even slower.
As soon as I got home I made myself a cup of tea. I grabbed a magazine that could offer very little positive outcome other than enjoyment. And I headed for the couch. I let myself sit for fifteen minutes or so, just reading and enjoying and accomplishing nothing. Not crossing anything off of my to-do list. Not getting anything done.
A smile crept back onto my face. My breath slowed and deepened. My heart lifted as thoughts of the people I love seemed to plop next to me on the couch.
I took my fifteen minutes and I let them soothe and refuel me. I gave myself decadent, selfish, just-for-me time.
Then I was ready to write my blog post.
What gets you to slow down? Why is it so hard for us to slow down?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!
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