Oh, how I love speed. I walk fast, drive fast, eat fast and drink fast. Sometimes it gets me into trouble. I don’t know why I like speed, why I feel the need to do everything fast. Perhaps it’s because I’m a task-oriented person. When I‘m doing something, I’m getting it done, finished, accomplished. There’s an inner “chop chop, let’s go.”

Slowing down isn’t an option that enters my mind until I’m forced to. Then I remember why it’s so important, and how to do it. To slow down you can do a self-imposed slow down day. How it’s done is through intention.

I don’t want to live my life in fast forward mode. If we live our life in fast forward it’ll cost us in many ways—physically, emotionally, mentally and relationally.

There’s a reason why it’s good to slow down and a way to do it.

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

WHY SLOW DOWN

There’s merit in completing things but there’s also merit in the journey, the process, the road between start and finish. More than once I’ve had to be told to slow down and enjoy the journey.

Slow down to enjoy the journey.

There are times I’ve physically hurt myself due to failure to slow down. I’ve sprained an ankle, broken a toe, had to get stitches, and gotten bruises by falling or running into things when walking too fast.

Slow down so you don’t hurt yourself.

I’ve gotten stressed, sick or discovered unhealthy behaviors when I don’t slow down to emotionally and mentally process the things in my life.

Slow down so you can be healthy.

When we don’t slow down and take proper care of ourselves (aka self-care) we burn the candle at both ends. When we do that, we don’t just hurt ourselves. Those around us get burned too.

Slow down for the well-being of your relationships.

Slowing down has many life-giving benefits.

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down. – Lily Tomlin

HOW TO SLOW DOWN

The first time I had an intentional slowdown day was at the direction of the Spirit of Grace after one of those times I’d hurt myself. He simply had we walk slower for one day. It was difficult for me but effective.

Now when I catch myself caught up in the speed of life, I do a self-imposed slow down day.

Here are 5 things you can do to declare a slow-down day for yourself.

• Slow your pace. For example, walk slower and/or eat slower. If you’re a fast walker and quick eater like me, this will be challenging. But the fact that it’s difficult is what makes it so beneficial.
• Open your eyes. Intentionally be aware of the world around you. For example, listen to the sounds around you, notice colors, appreciate nature. It’s amazing how we take our surroundings for granted. Write down things you noticed in a journal if you like.
• Stop or limit multitasking. A simple example is when you’re eating, don’t do anything but eat and enjoy. I frequently am on my iPad when I’m eating so setting it aside makes a difference.
• Moment of silence. Sit and be quiet for one minute. More if possible, but even that one minute is life-giving. In that minute take deep breaths and remember God is the source of life and is bigger than any problem you have. I have a habit of taking three minutes every morning to quiet myself. I put my phone on airplane mode and sit in silence, intentionally relaxing. It has made a profound difference in my life.
• Feed your soul. Read the Bible, an inspirational book, or blog posts for words that put life into your soul. Listen to music that builds you up and lifts your spirit. Spend time in worship and allow the Spirit of God to fill you up.

You can take the time to slow down even if it’s not for an entire day.

The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it. – Sydney J. Harris

WHY AGAIN

Life is full of so much. We can miss the important when we get buried in the hurry. We need to slow down and remember that life is about being and becoming not doing and accomplishing.

It’s often said that God isn’t in a hurry. I’ve learned that’s true. He has a restful spirit and we can have one too. It takes slowing down. He invites us to be still and trust Him. I like how it’s worded in this translation:

Stop your striving and recognize that I am God! – Psalm 46:10 NET

It’s easy to get caught up in the things going on in other people’s lives and the fear of missing out. But if we focus on what’s going on out there instead of tending to our soul, we’ll suffer.

This is one reason I love my declaration Dare to Believe that begins with:

I can’t be all things to all people.

I can’t do all things at once.

I can’t do all things better than everyone else.

My humanity is showing, just like everyone else’s.

Take a minute and remind yourself to:

Breathe.

Rest.

Trust.

Slow down with me and enjoy this journey called life and become all you were created to be. 

Slow down you’re doing fine You can’t be everything you want to be before your time. – Billy Joel

WHAT NOW

• Have you ever had a self-imposed slowdown day?
• What do you do to practice healthy self-care?
• Join my email list and begin taking better care of yourself. Get a list of benefits here.
• Share this with others.

Danielle Bernock

Author, Coach, and Speaker helping men, women, and organizations EMERGE with clear vision of their value, TAKE ownership of their choices, and CHART a path to their promise, becoming Victorious Souls who Embrace The Change from survive to thrive through the power of the love of God

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