In our fast-paced society, every minute feels crucial. We find ourselves constantly checking off tasks, glued to screens, or dashing to our next appointment. Despite our best efforts to juggle responsibilities, it often seems like there’s never enough time in the day. This was my experience for two chaotic years, as my life became dictated by electronic alerts, ringing phones, and tightly packed schedules. Even though I yearned to make it on time for every commitment, I often fell short.
Six years ago, however, I was gifted with a child who approached life with a relaxed, carefree attitude. While I was eager to head out the door, she would take her time selecting a purse or a shiny crown. When I was in a rush, she insisted on buckling in her stuffed animal. Even during quick errands, she would pause to chat with an elderly woman who reminded her of her grandma. My daughter’s leisurely pace was a stark contrast to my type-A personality, yet I failed to appreciate this gift. Living in a constant state of distraction had blinded me to the beauty of slowing down.
In my frustration, I frequently urged her to “hurry up.” It became a part of my daily language: I started my mornings with “Hurry up and eat your breakfast” and ended my evenings with “Hurry up and brush your teeth.” Despite my insistence, my words did little to speed her up; perhaps I said them even more often than “I love you.”
One pivotal day, after picking up my older daughter from school, I witnessed her criticize her sister for being “so slow.” In that moment, I saw a reflection of my own behavior. I was inadvertently pressuring my children to rush through life, robbing them of the joy of the present. That realization struck me hard.
With a trembling voice, I looked into my younger daughter’s eyes and said, “I am truly sorry for making you feel rushed. I admire how you take your time, and I want to learn from you.” My heartfelt apology surprised both my daughters, but the validation in my younger daughter’s expression was clear. I promised to be more patient, and that simple act of acknowledgment was transformative.
Eliminating the phrase “hurry up” from my vocabulary was straightforward. The more challenging task was developing the patience to wait for my daughter’s leisurely pace. I started allowing her extra time to prepare before outings, and although we were occasionally late, I reminded myself that these moments would pass quickly.
When we went for walks or trips, I let her dictate the pace. I began to notice the world through her eyes, observing her fascination with bugs and flowers, her laughter, and the beauty of simple interactions with strangers. This journey of slowing down became a gift to my frenzied soul.
Almost three years later, my commitment to living mindfully remains an ongoing process. Recently, while on vacation, my daughter asked me, “Do I have to rush, Mama?” My heart ached at the thought of how often I had hurried her through life. Yet, this time, I chose to celebrate how far we’ve come. “You don’t have to rush. Take your time,” I replied. Her face lit up with joy, and we enjoyed a delightful moment together.
As we shared a sno-cone, she even offered me her last bite, saying, “I saved this for you, Mama.” It was a poignant reminder that life’s sweetest moments arise when we slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s savoring a treat or picking flowers, I am committed to no longer saying, “We don’t have time for this,” as this implies we don’t have time to truly live.
By cherishing the simple joys of life, we embrace the essence of living fully. For more insights into creating these meaningful moments, consider exploring resources like Intracervical Insemination and Make a Mom, which provide valuable guidance on family-building journeys. Additionally, RMANY Blog is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the journey to embrace a slower pace of life has been enlightening. By letting go of the urge to rush and appreciating the present, I have discovered the beauty of living more mindfully, strengthened my bond with my children, and learned invaluable lessons about love and patience.