Slow Down

Today, I’d like you to answer this question honestly about yourself, concerning slowing down.

 

Many of us have heard the phrase or the analogy of ‘smelling the roses,’ but have we slowed down long enough to actually do so?

 

I found myself in disbelief or in shock as I read an email from another one of my peers who passed away this past week. Ironically, he is only six months or more older than me, and we both served in the Military.

 

Today, ironically, my mother celebrates another heavenly birthday; it is not a given that each of my siblings will slow down to reflect and pause to consider what it means to smell the roses.

 

Furthermore, during the Christmas/New Year’s break, I did take a few minutes or so to pause and think about the various members of my family who died during the holidays over the last ten years who are no longer living.

 

However, in the past, I really didn’t slow down mentally to reflect on all their lives and what each of these individuals meant to me.

 

It wasn’t until this past week, seeing another death announcement or obituary, that I had to seek some quiet time to slow down.

 

It appears that many of us attempt to reset our lives over the holidays with less activity to focus on, as meetings are not that important during the holidays.

 

In my opinion, there is a different mode mentality we shift our minds into, celebrating with family and friends, and just finding time to relax over the holidays.

 

At least that is what I’m telling myself.

 

As we enter 2026, I’m sure we all have tried to rationalize with ourselves in ways we can slow down.

 

Maybe slowing down has caused many of us to do some soul searching.

 

Going to the doctor and hearing changes we need to make as we listen to our bodies can also be insightful if we need to slow down.

 

Each of us, if we are listening to our bodies, will tell ourselves to slow down as a sign that something is not right.

 

What’s not right with you today, that may be counterintuitive with your lifestyle of slowing down?

 

I’m aware that slowing down can help us to prevent doing things poorly without rushing through life.

 

As you and I move physically through the stages of our lives, I’m sure that you have probably felt the urge to decelerate or slow down in fear of the consequences if you continue to move fast.

 

I’m sure you know plenty of people who can drive from Point  A to Point B in the shortest amount of time because they refuse to slow down.

 

It’s a personal preface for me to pause when I know I need to make better decisions.

 

Many of us listen to conversations, whereas the person we’re listening to is speaking nonstop or so fast that we must wait until they slow down to get a word in.

 

As a thought, one can only imagine those who are living a fast-paced life.

 

Now imagine these same individuals who have not had their light bulb moments yet, when they realize it’s time to slow down.

 

It’s seeing that shift when they realize slowing down is good for their health.

 

What about you, when you simply say to yourself enough is enough.

 

There is something about the word retirement.

 

I remember people asking me what I was looking forward to, slowing down, and being able to smell the roses.

 

I have learned there is no badge of honor given to those who want to remain busy.

 

Therefore, this week, as you begin this week, will you take a moment to find some quiet time to refocus on what matters most in your life, or will you be the one who remains too busy?

 

For those we know that are high energy, me included, in this group, we must reclaim time, choose wisely what best works for our mental health and bodies.

 

Whatever practices that we employ today for our health should be one’s whereas we are willing to also say no to, making room for opportunities to relax and rest.

 

“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast — you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” — Eddie Cantor.

 

Therefore, this week, I challenge you, me included, to slow down and enjoy life.  “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/slow-down/