In a world where everything feels like a race - the hustle and bustle of life, emails demanding immediate replies, social media saga buzzing with updates that seem not to end and life moving so fast in speed which seems like no one would catch it or run ahead of it, I've often found myself cringing onto stillness especially when I realize I would never meet up but to go slowly.
It's as though life is rushing past, leaving little time to pause, breathe and simply exist. I realised early in life that to truly live and not just survive, all I needed was to find ways to slow things down and chase after the moments that truly matter.
If there is something that resonates with me, it is the ability to go one step at a time because I value my peace of mind. I do not like to rush things and my mantra has been to go through life on my own terms with no one stressing me up until I cannot breathe again. We have just 24 hours daily, and in between, I need to value my health - I need much rest and calmness, not trying to go beyond my control.
I've always reminded myself that slowing down doesn't mean neglecting responsibilities or trying to dodge away from progress, it only means living with intentionality, embracing experiences and finding peace in the present. Here's how I slow things down...
Practice Gratitude
One easiest way to compare yourself with another is when you aren't grateful for the things you have. This kills one's joy and makes one feel insignificant. I've come to understand the power of gratitude because, without it, I feel like I am running ahead of my time while pursuing what isn't mine. I've come to learn how to remember and be grateful, even if little, for the things I have, and this allows me to focus on what is available rather than what isn't.
It is when we don't incorporate a grateful habit that we tend to lose focus of what truly matters and, therefore, try to join the race in which we might eventually end up regretting the decision. Life is so hard that it is only when we find appreciation for the little we have that we can truly live in the present.
Embrace nature walks
You see, this is something I have found to work effectively in my life. In some situations where I can't go out to do this, every morning I stand on the balcony of my apartment and watch the whole earth and how beautiful God has gifted us with nature, where we can savour experiences and enjoy the moments where we can deeply reflect and appreciate ourselves and not minding how life is treating us.
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I've found it more fulfilling to walk around and take a stroll in a calm environment while focusing only on what works best than comparing myself with others because of the feeling that they are ahead of me. I love peace and whatever would keep my mind, soul and spirit calm, I do it instead of wallowing in self-pity every time.
Unplug regularly
There is this satisfaction I derive when I decide to shut down, away from my screen time, just to enjoy an uninterrupted moment of rest and connection. This, I dedicate hours each day to do because I've come to understand that when I give up, especially when I don't see it necessary to give myself time to enjoy being offline, life will move on and the dead are gone. This is why I tend to value this moment and make sure I steer clear away from my phone or laptop just to shut down from the online world but to think about life naturally.
All images are mine
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