Going Slow
It’s okay to go slow when you need to.
Dear Friends:
Last month I wrote to you about the (new to me) concept of planned neglect. I also shared that I was slowly healing from an injury. My healing is frustratingly slow; to the extent that some days I wonder if I will ever fully recover. And yet, I keep going. I keep hoping.
Maybe you have experienced this type of slow healing. It's new to me. It is changing how I see everything: what's important, what's not important, how I use my time and (limited) energy. It's also changing how I approach the new year. I love the energy of a new year. And, because of my injury, this year will be different. This year, for perhaps the first time in my life, I am giving myself permission to go slow and not look too far into the future.
Some days ago, I made a list of things I want to do and/or track in 2023. I am no stranger to habit tracking. Typically, I like to add new things and figure out how to do more. However, right now I need to focus on doing less so my body can heal. My habit tracker for January of 2023 will have fewer items. February 2023 isn't even on the radar right now. Habits that are now fully incorporated into my days have been eliminated from the tracker. Other tasks that were just stressing me out (I am looking at you daily Duolingo) won't be on the list either. I am focusing only on things that aid my healing or give me joy. I recognize and accept this privelege.
Before I injured by body, I would have told you it was impossible for me to slow down with my full plate of responsibilities. It turns out, that it wasn't impossible, but necessary for me to slow down. The funny thing is that with limited energy, little time, things are still getting done. I have been able to get some help and other things just take a little longer now. While, I hope to recover fully and eventually pick up the pace; for now I have to go slow.
In retrospect, I wish I would have gone slow earlier, and perhaps avoided an injury. What's done is done, for me. Maybe it's not too late for you. This is your permission slip to go slow if that is what your body or soul needs right now.
Happy New Year, Friends!
Carolyn
P.S. Monday Morning Open Office Hours will resume soon. If you would like some accountability with your organizing projects, send me an email to be added to the list.
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