What are your plans for the summer? Will you be traveling? BBQing with family and friends?
If you live in a place with seasons, you are part of the cyclical rhythms of the year. Each season will come and it will go.
Spring and early summer are especially meaningful to me because of the opportunity to spend time outside while the weather is mild and the mosquitos are (mostly) at bay. I often get distracted and overwhelmed by all of the things I “have” to do - that list that never seems to end. Not only are most of the items self-imposed and arbitrary, but I also have to remind myself that by its very nature that list simply does not have an end. I cannot aim to get it done because there is no done, there is only doing or being.
Once I hit one goal, I’ll want to reach for the next one. Once that house project is done, a new one will surface. I am working to overcome workaholism in myself and my life.
How to slow down a busy life
Resting, connecting, and having fun all need to be intentionally made part of each day. We often get trapped in the “when I’m done I’ll rest” mindset, but as we’ve touched upon above, there is rarely a “done” to reach, we need to grow comfortable with making space for rest amidst the chaos.
I’m hoping to spend the long 4th of July weekend taking small steps on my to do list, but mostly spend it instead with friends and family and making a few moments to read, journal, and take care of my mental health. I’ve scheduled in some fun activities and some time to relax.
I want my little one to enjoy digging her toes into the sand. I want to roast marshmallows over a summer fire. I want her to enjoy listening to the sounds of the birds, and wandering around our yard - exploring the “wild,” like I got to do as a kid. The best way to achieve the slow living lifestyle is to embody it and model it for Margaret.
In general, life has started to pick up speed again. I might have been in the minority of those who preferred the change of pace that covid forced us to adopt. I was burnt out and appreciated some forced isolation. I am glad that there are more activities again, but I’ve had to get better at setting boundaries and sticking to them. Learning how to say no in a way that works for you is an important step toward prioritizing yourself and your own goals over other peoples’ agendas.
When they push back, I am learning to not take it with anger but instead with appreciation. I am learning to prioritize my values and needs, learning to say no to things that don’t align with my priorities.
This matters because productivity is about time management, and time management is about saying yes to the things that move you toward your goals and no to the things that don’t. Instead of offering reasons or excuses, I’m starting to use phrases like:
-I’m not able to attend… or
-I have a conflict.
So for me, a slow summer is what I’m looking forward to. What about you? Do you like to slow down? What does that look like for you? Slowing down doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. I will be on an adventure but at my own speed and frequency. I want to feel fulfilled but not rushed. Full, but not anxious or burdened with a heavy schedule.
Prompts to consider for journaling and reflection:
This summer I want to feel:
My priorities during this season are:
Activities that are in line with these priorities are:
Strategies to protect these priorities include:
I will make time for these priorities by:
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
-Lana