A Reminder to Slow Down

I’ve lost things.

Three things to be exact.

I have been so busy that I only have a slight recollection of the last time I held them in my hand or where I could have possibly left them.

I haven’t been paying attention.

This morning I’ve spent more than a few minutes calling around to various establishments that I’ve been in over the last couple of weeks hoping and praying that they have at least one of my items in their lost and found.

No luck.

So frustrating.

If you have ever lost something of even slight monetary or sentimental value, you will empathize with the angst that I am experiencing right now.

I have thoughts going through my head like…

“Why wasn’t I more careful?”

“Why didn’t I pay more close attention?”

I stand reminded that I’ve got to slow down and stop moving so fast.

Our world moves fast.

Really fast.

As I spend many of my days herding kids in and out of the minivan, rushing from one event to the next, and trying desperately to make it through my to do list, things have gotten lost.

And not just those three items that I can’t put my finger on.

When you succumb to the speed of the world, you can lose a lot more than that.

You can lose moments.

You can lose memories.

You can lose joy.

One of the ways that the devil steals the beauty of our present reality, our relationships, or our rest is to keep us moving at the speed of little league games, cell phone calls, and email alerts.

And while the three things I’ve misplaced can be replaced, minutes, hours and days cannot be.

What have you lost because of your tendency to get caught up in the hustle and bustle?

Today I’m reminding you to slow down.

Today’s a good a day as any to stop, take stock, and make a decision about what you can do differently to deliberately slow down.

Here are three checkpoints to consider.

1. Sleep – are you getting enough?

So much of our stress, bad attitudes, lack of enthusiasm about life is related to our constant state of sleep-deprivation.  Take a moment to think about how much sleep you need to have and make a plan to get all of the hours you need.  Your body and the people you are around will thank you.

1. Boundaries – are you good at saying no?

Saying yes to the good will get in the way of saying yes to the best.  We all have many opportunities that present themselves to us for consideration so, whether you like it or not, you can’t do everything.  Sometimes you will have to be the bad guy and just say no.  But you don’t have to feel like the bad guy, to say no to one thing is to say yes to another. If you have said no just to leave a little margin in your life, count that a victory because you have made the decision to say yes to yourself.  Unrushed, unhurried space and time to think is a treasure that too many of us overlook.  It’s OK to be still.

1. Laughter – when was the last time you were doubled over?

Sometimes we are over the top because we take everything so seriously.  What makes you laugh?  What brings a smile to your face? Make time to be happy.  There are so many things in the world that are designed to do the exact opposite. Go on a date with your spouse to see a comedy film.  Play Twister with your children. Take a walk with a friend and determine to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun.

Today I’m reminding you to make it your intentional mission to slow down and pay attention.  Your moments and memories are worth your full attention.

When you choose to slow down and live your life at a purposeful pace…

You will find more moments that are worth having.

You will discover more memories that are worth making.

You will notice more joy available to you and the ones you love.

Blessings,

Chrystal Evans Hurst

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