Slow. Down.
“We have to slow down to go fast.”
I first heard that phrase in February of 2020. It appealed to me, yet, at times, I had to really ponder on what that meant. At the time, I was “guest teaching” in a number of school districts, building my business, coaching improv teams, rehearsing with my own improv troupe, supporting other improv teams, attending band and choral concerts, and the list continues.
Then Covid reared its ugly head and all of us had no choice but to slow down.
Remember that time?
The golf course behind me was busier than I’ve ever seen.
The canals in Venice cleared up and dolphins returned.
People played mini-concerts on their patios to entertain neighbors.
The smog level diminished.
We learned how to teach our children.
Somehow, we navigated that time while wanting to “return to normal.” Or at least what we were comfortable with. In the meanwhile, we wore masks, worked from home, socially distanced and life went on, albeit more slowly. Yet, I read many articles about the increase in productivity.
We had slowed down. And ended up going fast.
Now, here we are. Vaccines are rolling out. Mask mandates are being removed. People are returning to a new “normal.”
And things are speeding up.
April and May were busy for me. My business is beginning to bloom. Improv teams are contacting me to play. I was still guest teaching while my off-days were booked with meetings, both virtual and in-person. I directed a high school improv show, with two weeks of packed rehearsals. Band and choral concerts.
Suddenly, it’s the end of May. My youngest brother comes for a 10-day visit from LA. My Dad comes for a 5-day visit from Orlando. My oldest son comes for a 6-day stay from Atlanta, girlfriend in tow.
Sitting on the deck, enjoying the evening breeze, sipping on a cool drink while listening to music and fun conversation, I felt myself breathing. An unrecognized weight lifted.
Yes, I still made some time to build the business and connect with my network. Yes, I spent time polishing the website.
I also spent less time on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
And I realized, I had sped up. Almost too fast and too quickly. We’re in this transition, trying to navigate what comes next, what will “work” look like, how will we find the balance.
We need to slow down to go fast. Slow down to take time for our family. Slow down to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Slow down to maintain those relationships that are important to us. The work will still be there. Recognize when things are getting too fast again, and give yourself permission and grace to slow down.
