Column: Learning to slow down in a rushing world

Ever feel like you are always rushing?

Recently, as I was happily pedaling along a bike path, a train came along beside me. In spite of myself, I started trying to go faster. It felt like a picture of life. No matter how fast I go, it doesn’t feel like I’m going fast enough to keep up.

A few days later, I found myself listening to an audio book and answering an email on my phone while watering cows. In all my multitasking, I hadn’t noticed our friendliest calf patiently waiting for attention. I was missing one of the joys of farming because I was fussing over getting things done.

What have you rushed by lately?

Do you have children in your home? Take the time to enjoy them. They won’t be young for long.

When our kids were little, I made it a rule that if one of the boys brought me a book, I would stop and read it to him. My children soon learned the quick method to get my attention. It didn’t take long to read a picture book, but it reminded me what was important, provided a positive way for the boys to get attention, and provided some education.

What slows you down? How do your children get your attention?

If children don’t have a positive way to get your attention, they will likely do so through mischief.

Why exactly are you rushing? Sometimes it’s easy to get going so fast, we forget why.

There are busy seasons in life when you just have to get as much done as you can. All you can do is do the best you can. However, those times can morph into a way of life.

How could you slow things down? Do you need to drop some things to regain some time?

Could you hire someone to do some of the things that keep you busy or make you feel constantly behind? Could you hire someone to clean your house occasionally? What about a babysitter? Could you trade work with a friend or relative?

Maybe just stop doing some things. Do you really need to iron everything you currently do? Could you buy other fabrics or just go a little wrinkled? Would the lawn look acceptable if you mowed it a little less frequently?

Could you make bigger meals so some could go in the freezer? Maybe another family member can then heat it for the family on another night? Would your budget allow for a planned night to order in?

Could you rotate chore days? My son and I alternate days doing farm chores.

Maybe rotate regular duties by month. Sometimes just doing different tasks makes them more refreshing or less tiring.

Life is a journey to be enjoyed. Why are we rushing to get to the end?

With that in mind, I pedaled slower and enjoyed watching the train pull ahead.

What changes do you need to make to enable you to rejoice in each day instead of rushing to keep up?