Oh How I miss the Quiet

Catching up around the water cooler is a handy social time waster. But do you really care about the long version of my “event” whatever it was? Do the stories of all the quirky people I saw at the airport while I waited for a three hour flight delay, add anything to your life?

I am nearing the finish line of my year of Slow. This year, I’ve slowed down enough to notice how people fill up their time. I know that I am outside of the norm in guarding this most important commodity. I wish I had more of it, always. I am dogged about finding a few moments to do the things that fill my soul, to give back my energy and my learning to someone who would appreciate it.

My Sweetie and I were at a wonderful musical event last week but then the evening went on and on. Great value for your money for sure, an encore that left most of the audience standing in appreciation. But, we’d had enough. Thank goodness we usually agree on our tolerance for "noise".

We needed Quiet, we needed to talk about the melodies we’d heard and the jokes that seemed unrehearsed, we’d had enough. Not many years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to recognize my need. I would no doubt have stood and cheered the playing of song after song although I had grown weary.

Last week I was able to stop. Maybe it's my age, and diminishing need to be polite. Maybe, I am finally happy being still. Slowing down has helped me find a peaceful clarity of understanding. Knowing that this was my time to give and that the musicians, regardless of how good they were had taken enough from me.

The decision was made.

Good night.

Let’s go home.


How much Quiet do you crave? (Click to Tweet)

How much "Noise" can you tolerate? (Click to Tweet)


If you'd like to start thinking about adopting a Word for next year, check out OneWord365 and start planning! 

Slowly but Surely

A month of Slow living.

Slowly but Surely

I've witnessed the smiles of strangers and the Pause in holding the door open for someone unexpectedly. The moment of surprise when someone realizes that you are doing something special just for them. Imagine, how such a small act can transform someone's face.

I've heard the tinkle of laughter when a parent bends to tie the shoelaces of a jumping child.

And the clink of wine glasses from across a patio of two who only had eyes for each other.

I watched an elderly woman dig in her pockets for spare change, pull out crumpled tissues and a worn out bus pass, but no change.

Waited to enter our downtown library and stared as an amputee sat in his shorts while the rest of us were bundled in our winterwear. He inhaled deeply from a plastic bag, that held clear fluid. What was in the bag, I think, and then weeks later I ask my young family medical expert.

I walk and see that the grass is not the usual dry, brownish yellow at this time of year. It is green! Does this mean that we will have an early Spring? I side step around the last traces of ice and hope that the gravel on the sidewalks will keep me upright. Was it last year that I fell three times? No broken bones, no ruined clothing (thank you new thick Lulu's, you are amazing).

and so it goes, observations and ahhh moments, things that I would not have noticed...before I decided to Slow down my Life.

What do you see when you Slow Down? (Tweet This)

Stories everywhere, if we stop to look. (Tweet This)

Slow - My word for 2016

Slow.

My Word for this year. Not a word that comes easily to me, family will tell you that I'm not known for sitting still for long periods. My mind is jumping around although I can fool some people. Creative thoughts are bumping up against each other with uncontrolled velocity, so many projects to try.

I was not a child who was encouraged to sit and dawdle. It's a habit that sticks with me to my detriment sometimes. I can't remember the last time that (I allowed myself) to sit with a tea and read my current book until...what? Until, I was fulfilled. There always seems to be something "interesting" to switch to. And in doing this, I think I've missed a lot.

So this year I will aim to Slow. To take a breath and feel the air going into my body as my yoga teacher teaches me. To feel it reaching the tips of my toes, giving me life. I will pause and watch as the sun dips across our window and the shadow slides across the page I'm reading. I will gaze at the what is passing my window while I am stopped at the red light, and smile at the scene of the man in the jaunty hat walking his dog, who is carrying his own ball. I will stay still and capture on my camera the berries poking out of the snowdrift and the first tentative green shoots emerging in the spring.

I will be Slow but I believe that I will grow. Because I will see our world with it's noise and beauty, clear streams and taxi horns, crisp winter chills and long line-ups with different eyes.

Not me

I will pay better attention and I will be looking for you to add to my story.

Wish me luck with my word. I'm looking forward to seeing what I will discover and how it will transform the way I live.

Play along and tell me your Word and check in here to see how living my life Slow escalates my senses.


I will be Slow but I believe that I will grow. (Click to Tweet)