Taking it Slow
© El Fenn, Morocco
It was another one of those stressful days: waking up and then having to swiftly put on my shoes while still chewing my breakfast to quickly get out of the house for the first appointment. Later, talking to customers on the phone while simultaneously texting and walking down the street on the way to the office. The rest of the day was not any different. There is no way to take it slow. In the evening when I could finally relax, I saw that my emails, texts and short essays were full of mistakes. It was very embarrassing knowing people read my typos.
It seems to be a never-ending story…
Multitasking and hurrying are making us blind for our own needs and wellbeing. Always striving to get the job done, whilst already starting the new assignment. But if you look into it more closely, you might discover that this constant distraction is often used as an excuse so that you do not have to face yourself or your fears.
Aren’t we all in search of something?
Some may want to find a way to help others or change the world. We all want to have a positive impact on those around us, to leave a mark on the world and the people we love. We thrive so hard to find out what our calling is. But instead of finding it, the search itself can make us lose focus. We want to achieve so much and do so many things at once to accomplish that sense of fulfillment in life that we forget what we are truly looking for.
Any form of fear or contempt can hinder you from growing and finding your fulfillment in life.
We may be scared. Scared of what lies ahead, of what may or may not happen. Or just simply ashamed for not taking the time to develop ourselves. Everyone has their personal reasons. But I realized that distracting yourself and letting any form of fear or contempt be your subconscious drive, can hinder you from what will help you grow and find your fulfillment in life. If left uncontrolled, you will enter a vicious cycle that will leave you exhausted.
Free yourself
The point is that sometimes you just need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Take it slow. See what is going on in your life so that you know what to fix, adjust or nurture. It may be the relationship with your family, friends or simply with yourself. Do things mindfully – one thing at a time – so that you can give it all the attention it needs.
Practice mindfulness!
Whilst we keep looking into the future, preparing ourselves for what will come, we forget the present. We forget to realize how amazing things are despite the stress, despite the failures.
These things are here to pass and make you learn and grow. But you can only grow if you focus on the now and take things one step at a time.
This is especially true in this crazy pre-Christmas season we are in now. So take it slow and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas: spreading love and joy – for yourself and for others.
