Updated: Feb. 10, 2017
Originally Published: May 20, 2015
In our fast-paced world, it often feels like every second counts. Between juggling notifications, to-do lists, and countless responsibilities, it seems impossible to catch up. For two chaotic years, I found myself trapped in a whirlwind of distractions, constantly racing from one task to the next. My life revolved around alarms, emails, and an overstuffed calendar, leaving little room for the joy of living.
Six years ago, I was blessed with a wonderfully easygoing child who loved to take her time. Whether it was choosing the perfect purse or engaging in a heartfelt chat with a stranger, my daughter’s leisurely pace often clashed with my relentless schedule. While I was rushing to get out the door, she was busy buckling her stuffed animal into a car seat or stopping to admire a ladybug. My inner drill sergeant was always barking, “Hurry up!”—a phrase that ended up defining our daily interactions.
I would start the day with, “Hurry up and eat your breakfast,” and wrap it up with, “Hurry up and brush your teeth.” Ironically, the more I urged her to speed up, the slower she seemed to move. In hindsight, I realized I was treating life like a checklist, and anything that didn’t fit my agenda felt like a waste of time.
Then one day, everything shifted. After picking my older daughter up from school, she snapped at her younger sister, “You’re so slow.” In that moment, I saw myself in her frustration. I realized I was pushing my child, who simply wanted to enjoy life, and it broke my heart.
With a trembling voice, I turned to my younger daughter and said, “I’m really sorry for making you hurry. I love how you take your time, and I want to be more like you.” The surprise on their faces was evident, but my younger daughter’s expression radiated acceptance and validation. I promised to be more patient, and just like that, the words “hurry up” vanished from my vocabulary.
However, cultivating patience was a different beast altogether. I learned to give my daughter more time to prepare when we had plans. Sometimes we were still late, but I reminded myself that these moments of her childhood would be fleeting. During our outings, I let her set the pace, and I began to notice the world through her eyes. I saw the wonder in her gaze as she paused to explore flowers or talk to friendly strangers. She was a true “Noticer,” and I quickly discovered how rare and precious that perspective is.
My commitment to slow down began nearly three years ago, aligning with my desire to let go of distractions and embrace what truly matters. It’s still a challenge, but my daughter is a constant reminder of the beauty of living deliberately. Just the other day, while enjoying a bike ride together, she asked, “Do I have to rush, Mama?” My heart sank as I remembered the countless times I had hurried her through life.
But instead of dwelling in regret, I chose to celebrate the present. “You don’t have to rush. Just take your time,” I replied gently. Her face lit up, and we spent the afternoon savoring each moment together—talking, laughing, and simply enjoying the world around us. In a sweet moment, she even shared her last bite of a sno-cone with me, a gesture that reminded me that love is sweeter when we slow down.
Now, I’ve made a conscious choice to never say, “We don’t have time for this.” After all, that’s just another way of saying, “We don’t have time to live.” Embracing the little joys of life is the only way to truly be present.
For more insights on parenting and living fully, check out our other blog post at this link. If you’re interested in home insemination, this resource is an excellent option. And for those looking into the process of pregnancy, this article offers a wealth of information.
Summary:
This article reflects on a mother’s journey of letting go of the habit of rushing her children through life. Realizing the negative impact of her hurried lifestyle, she commits to embracing patience and savoring the small moments. Through her delightful interactions with her children, she learns the importance of living in the present and appreciates the beauty of taking life slowly.