Hey mamas, sisters, and friends! January was a blur; February here we come! The new year was a slow start for us this past month–and yet somehow I’m content with it. I write to you today to share the joy in slowing down. Seems countercultural to say that…what do you think? Here are four tips to encourage you in a slower pace of life amidst an accelerated world.
1. Get off social media
I know this may sound obvious, but getting off social media will drastically change the way you perceive life. Instead of checking Snapchat to see what your sister or best friend is up to…pick up the phone to call them. Life moves 100x when we have access to everyone’s personal ins and outs of their days at the click of a button. Slow down by removing the excess mental clutter that social media brings. And friend, whether you’re only there to post updates of your own family…I guarantee if you delete the app you will still notice a change in your mind, body, and spirit.
2. Pick up a book
By getting off social media, you’ve just freed up an extra 1-3 hours a day you can spend doing something else. Ever thought about picking up a book? I’m talking paperback or hardcover, where you flip the pages between your fingers. Reading a book causes you to be intentional and truly slow down. I believe reading books is becoming a thing of the past. Just ask yourself, when’s the last time you read a *physical* book (aside from the bible), or know of a family member or friend that’s a reader?
3. Make something with your hands
Our great, great grandparents may have had a ton more physical labor when it came to all things food: planting, harvesting, cooking, etc. But with all the labor, they cultivated skills that are simply lacking in today’s culture: making things with our hands. Whether it’s rolling out and kneading dough, making jewelry, sewing/embroidering, playing with clay, or getting your hands in the dirt with planting–try to start making something with your hands. It’s thoughtful, intentional, and will bring a slower pace to your life instead of just getting that item instantaneously. It takes time to create with our hands.
4. Take something off your calendar
Is your week consistently full of school pick ups, extracurricular activities, meetings, and gatherings? And are these things absolutely necessary, or are they things you’ve added to your family’s routine for the sake of ‘’growth’ and ‘fellowship’? Try taking something off your calendar to slow things down. I know this seems countercultural, but I need to tell you friend–it’s okay if you don’t do it all. Release the FOMO (fear of missing out) and embrace your weeks with less. Less priorities, less chaos. Instead of prioritizing the extracurricular, start prioritizing your home and family life.
5. Pick up the bible and find total satisfaction in Christ
Jesus says he’s the “bread of life” (John 6:48). We must turn to Him for fulfillment and satisfaction–not the quick fixes our world tries to offer us. Busy seasons have their time and place, but making sure you root your foundation on the Rock who will always remain the same today, yesterday, and forever will be your guiding light. “Your word is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Seek time to read the bible and ask God to help you find total fulfillment in Him. You will find eternal reward in the end.
I pray these tips have helped you consider how to create a slower paced life amidst our current culture. Until next time mamas, sisters, and friends!
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