I love the slowed-down tempo of summer. Sure we’re only one week in, I’m just coming off a week of time off, AND I know I’ll be climbing the walls here soon… BUT… it sure is nice to have a break. You know, a momentary pause from the morning rush of breakfast, backpacks, and racing out the door only to be followed up 8 hours later by the mad dash of homework, sports practice, dinner, and bedtime.

Sure, my kids still demand to be fed most nights and they still have practice for their respective summer sports, but it sure feels nice to catch my breath for a minute.

It’s nice to just slow it all down for a moment.

When the world hit pause two springs ago (you know… the pandemic), there was so much talk about a great reset. An increased awareness that we were all doing waaayy too much at waaayyy too fast of a pace. And, as much as I said all these things and had all of these conversations over and over again, it clearly didn’t sink in as much as I’d hoped.

I think without even realizing it, I tried to make up for lost time by doubling down on an already busy schedule and packing it more full than actually sustainable.

And that’s why I’m going to do my best to slow it down over the next few months.

I wrote about the importance of unplugging last week and here I am talking about catching my breath this week, so clearly these words are just as much for me as they are for you.

So let’s all encourage each other to…

Slow it down for a bit.

Take the time to lean into the conversation and back from the rigid expectations.  Practice the art of doing less with the intention to connect more.  Challenge yourself to listen more than you speak.

Slow it down for a bit.

I’m cheering us all on!

-A

P.S. Needing extra support in practicing the art of slowing down and turning towards each other? Reach out… that’s what I’m here for.