slowing down to speed up

Bow Bridge in Central Park | Photo credit: Kym Motley

“You have to slow down to speed up.”

My friend, Adrianne MacDonald offered this advice in a recent episode of her Source Code podcast. It caught my attention because I realized I had fallen into my old habit of fabricating deadlines. In the hopes of completing several projects before 2024, I piled on the to-dos. As time transpired, my body told me I was doing too much. I continued to push myself until technical glitches brought my perceived productivity to a grinding halt.

The slowdown came with a hefty pile of grief but it also brought the gift of awareness:

• I had reverted back to an old way of thinking that there’s not enough time.

• I forgot to wrap myself in cotton balls, for I am still grieving my mother’s passing.

• I readjusted my expectations and remembered there’s no need to rush.

My body is resting and recovering.

My mind is no longer veiled in a cloud of confusion.

And now I have room to play.

I am so grateful for Adrianne’s advice.

Slowing down provided me with clarity to find the answers I seek with ease.

Slowing down provided my body with time to rest.

Slowing down reminded me mindfulness is a practice. If I get lost, I just need to slow down and begin again.