Taking it Slow
One evening in July, I was driving home and noticed a turtle on the side of the road. I pulled over, thinking it might try to cross so I could help it along. But instead, she slowly continued her stroll along the shoulder, then made her way into the ditch. Turtles really are such amazing creatures—patient, deliberate, and unbothered by the rush around them.
That moment reminded me of this week’s mindful message: taking it slow.
Have you ever noticed that when you're in a rush, everything seems to go wrong? You drop things, spill your coffee, trip over your feet, or make mistakes that could’ve been avoided. That’s your nervous system kicking into fight-or-flight mode—you're no longer functioning at your best because your body thinks it’s in survival mode.
It took me years—up until just recently—to truly allow myself to slow down. That doesn’t mean I’m not busy. I have a full life with work, family, animals, and photography. But it’s a different kind of busy now. For a long time, I believed my worth was tied to how much I could accomplish. But something shifted. I realized I don’t need to run myself into the ground to feel successful. If I’m living a life I don’t feel the need to escape from—then I’m already winning. And most days, I am winning.
There’s research showing that when people stay in constant overdrive, it’s often a way of avoiding something deeper—usually unresolved trauma or stress. Slowing down isn’t a quick or easy fix, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible. You can begin to heal, reconnect with yourself, and learn to move through life at a gentler pace.
Lately, with the arrival of our new puppy, I’ve naturally had to slow down. Our mornings are now spent in the front yard, coffee in hand, dogs playing, and listening to an audiobook (still working through Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory). For the first time, I feel zero guilt about this. Ten years ago, I’d have jumped up at everyone’s beck and call. Even five years ago, I was still learning how to slow down, but hadn’t quite mastered it.
What helped me get here? A few things.
First, awareness—recognizing what I was experiencing and realizing that not everyone lives this way, and more importantly, that it wasn’t healthy.
Second, building confidence and learning to speak up for myself.
Third, setting boundaries. Learning that “no” is a complete sentence, and that my needs matter just as much as my family’s.
And perhaps most importantly, having a partner who supports my passions and encourages rest—something that felt foreign to me for a long time.
Don’t get me wrong: I believe in hard work. But it’s also important to understand how you’re working and why. Are you constantly busy to avoid uncomfortable feelings? Do you feel you’re not enough unless you're doing something? Are you rushing through life, unable to be present with your loved ones?
If any of that resonates with you, it might be time to pause and reflect—or reach out to someone who can help you navigate those feelings.
In summary: It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay not to be working all the time.
You’re not alone—and things can get better.
Wishing you a mindful Monday.
