Today’s five minute friday prompt is “pace”.
We were camping last weekend, down by the lake. It was beautiful weather, not too hot but just warm enough to swim. We rode bikes, hiked, swam, and threw rocks in the water. At our own pace, no one telling us what to do next or where to go. We ate when we were hungry and went to bed when tired.
And you know what? Time slowed down. I wasn’t hopping from one activity to the next. I wasn’t checking things off my to-do list. I wasn’t annoyed by life’s usual interruptions. It was nice. The change of pace was just what we needed.
Do you find your pace overwhelming? I do.
I can make 101 excuses as to why I choose to keep myself in this state of frazzled mess, but the honest truth would be that it is completely my fault. This mom sets the pace and I think it would be good for the whole family if I slowed down.
As I’m planning the upcoming school year with my schedules, calendars, and lists and wishing we could make a lifestyle out of camping, the weekend that time slowed down keeps running through my head. Am I teaching my kids that busy is the best way of life? Am I teaching them that it is necessary to fill our schedule to overflowing?
We are going to do things differently this year. We are going to slow down and set a better pace. One in which we can play more and stress less. No more racing from one activity to the next. No more eating in the car.
I am going to learn to say no.
Ha! Maybe that is what this post should be called. “Learning to Say No”. That would be the only way to slow us down. To stop and choose which activities and projects are best for our family and not choose everything that comes our way.
To say no to the perfection image in my head which lies to me about how I should be and what I should be doing.
I’m going to say no to the comparison trap. The one that shames me as a mom because I’m not doing everything the next mom does or not providing my kids with the necessary activities and experiences.
I’m going to set a new pace, our pace. We are going to enjoy life this year. We are going to slow down and do only what is best for us.
So, dear friends, if you are looking for me this school year, you will find us hanging out. Come join us!
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Yes! I have often thought about how my own pace and emotions set the pace and emotions of my family. However, I am quick to forget that in the moment and get caught up in busyness again and again. Thanks for this reminder as we embark on our new homeschool year too.
Isn’t it funny how we need to keep getting sucked back into the craziness? I am going to try to focus on priorities this year and let all of the other opportunities and distractions go. I sometimes prevent our home from being peaceful and I don’t want to do that anymore. Thinking about you as you face the same decisions and obstacles. I hope you have a great year!
So much wisdom here! I agree, we do need to slow down sometimes and learning what to say no to is such an important part of that. It’s something I’m getting better at but still working on!
It is and I need to try harder. I feel as if I am afraid to say no because I don’t want my kids to miss out on an opportunity. I need to learn to prioritize and let the other stuff go. Thanks for stopping by!
Heather, I hope you do slow down. Remember sometimes the best yes is a no.
“Sometimes the best yes is a no”. I’m going to write that down and hang it up! Thank you for stopping by and for your wisdom 🙂
Heather, this word prompt has made me do some thinking this morning. It seems like we admire “busy” as if busier means we are achieving more. Like you, I want to slow my pace and keep step with the Lord’s lead. May I learn to say “no” more often in the days ahead!
Yes! You nailed it when you said we think that busier means achieving more. It’s a misconception really. Who wants to achieve more if you turn into a frazzled mess? Thank you for this!