I think the world has been longing for a slower paced life for some time. An influx of mediation apps and Hygge methods all pointed towards the unbusying of our lives. A desire to take a step back and truly establish what is important in our lives. To become so less consumed and overwhelmed by unnecessary rubbish. Albeit a rather extreme lesson, this period has forced us to stop and to live in the real and shrunk down world of our small, local communities. And most importantly to take pleasure in life’s little moments.
I’ve always been someone to chase big goals, to want to climb the career ladder and to achieve great things. By the time my 25th birthday had rolled around I had pretty much ticked off the majority of my big goals and bucket list items.
I’ve spent so much time over the last few years trying to get back to this goal chasing, over achieving person… effectively feeling like I need to try and fix myself. I was constantly faced with feelings of unfulfillment and questioning what and where I was going wrong. After this prolonged opportunity of reflection throughout lockdown there’s been a huge shift in my focus. I now question whether I was actually ever really “broken” or just simply embarking on a different pathway. A new journey that differs from the experiences I was familiar with ( my old norm), patterns of behaviour that no longer are going to serve me in this next chapter. All of which have been highlighted by stripping back life, going with the flow and having a bit more faith in yourself.
I think its really important to stop comparing yourself to who you used to be, but put focus on who you are now.
There are some big goals I still want to work towards like:
- the want for my own house,
- a little business,
- oh and a soul mate (all pretty flippin huge),
but all these goals will be achieved in the exact moment they are meant to happen. Right now, I’m taking great pleasure in things like blabbling on this blog, practicing my calligraphy, cooking, baking and growing my little herb garden. Not because I’m the best at these tasks, but for no other reason than simply because I enjoy them. All in fact are things I wouldn’t be doing if my soul focus was pointed to the big goals. I’m learning to banish the perfection curse and getting good at being bad at things. Learning to unperfect myself as I’m sure this is where wonderous things occur. There’s a true sense of freedom and fun by simply having a go at something as opposed to being afraid of the outcome not being perfect. Who says you even have to know what the outcome will be?
Mark Chappell once said to me “ Realise that ultimately nothing really matters. Why not just do what makes you happy? Rather than viewing the world in a pessimistic way, it actually gives us total freedom. See it like making sandcastles! We know the sea will wash everything away, however the pleasure is just creating freely in the moment, not being attached to a future outcome. No matter how inevitable.”
There a true sense of freedom and joy by simply slowing the heck down. Naturally seeing what brings you happiness and allowing your goals and dreams to evolve more organically.
I think the point I’m trying to make is don’t get so caught up in the big stuff in life that you lose sight of the smaller things that bring you the true happiness. Have these goals, but detach yourself away from the outcome and enjoy the everyday.
Things I’ve enjoyed whilst slowing down:
- Noticing the incredible Spring blooms that have blossomed
- Writing letters, learning calligraphy and sending and receiving happy post
- Reading my monthly Red magazine subscription from cover to cover
- Channelling my inner Mary Berry and doing a little baking
- Enjoying the little things like a tea and scone over the wall with our neighbours
- Experimenting with new recipes
- Unfollowing social media accounts that don’t uplift me or make me smile
- Being reminded how pleasurable and relaxing a puzzle is, and also highly addictive. Full geek mode activated right there!
- How epic the Desperate Housewives series was and still is
- A takeaway feeling like an absolute treat again, as opposed to a weekly habit
- Discovering the most beautiful walks on our doorstep
- Realising that success is not defined by the amount of likes and followers your Instagram has
- Having a clearer, less busy headspace
- Being so much more open to new opportunities and trying out new things
What have you discovered or rediscovered since slowing down?
*Image credit for the second image is Stella Rose
**Image credit for the second image is here
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