In the chaos of daily life, it often feels like every second counts. We’re constantly juggling tasks, glued to our screens, or racing to our next appointment. Despite our best efforts to organize our time, the day never seems long enough to accomplish everything on our lists.
For two whirlwind years, I found myself trapped in this cycle. My world revolved around notifications, deadlines, and an overwhelming schedule. I was determined to keep up, but despite my intentions, I was perpetually behind.
Six years ago, I welcomed a wonderfully free-spirited child into my life, who was the complete opposite of my fast-paced nature. Whenever I needed us to be on the move, she was busy choosing the perfect purse or adorning herself with a sparkly crown. When I was running late, she insisted on buckling her stuffed toy into a car seat, and during rushed meals, she would engage with strangers who reminded her of her grandmother. My attempts at squeezing a quick run into my day were thwarted by her desire to pet every dog we passed. I was always on a tight schedule, yet my little girl craved the moments that made life beautiful.
At the time, I couldn’t appreciate this gift. Instead, I was too focused on my agenda to notice how precious these moments were. Whenever she slowed me down, I’d exclaim, “Hurry up!”
I began every day with “Hurry up and eat your breakfast” and ended it with “Hurry up and get to bed.” I realized that I likely uttered “hurry up” more often than “I love you.” The truth can sting, but it can also inspire change.
Then one day, while picking my older child up from kindergarten, I heard her tell her sister, “You are so slow,” with crossed arms and an exasperated sigh. In that moment, I caught a glimpse of myself—a parent pushing and pressuring a child who simply wanted to enjoy life. It was a heartbreaking realization.
I looked into my younger daughter’s eyes and apologized, “I’m sorry for rushing you. I admire how you take your time, and I want to learn from you.” The surprise on their faces was evident, but my younger daughter’s expression radiated acceptance and understanding.
From that day, I vowed to replace “hurry up” with patience. I began giving her more time to get ready before outings, and yes, we were still late sometimes. I reassured myself that these years would be fleeting.
During walks, I allowed her to set the pace. I focused on the joy in her eyes as she noticed the world around her—interesting bugs, colorful flowers, and the smiles of people she engaged with. She was a Noticer, and I came to realize that these observant souls are rare treasures.
Almost three years have passed since I made my promise to slow down and embrace life’s simple joys. This commitment requires effort, but my daughter serves as a daily reminder of its importance. Just the other day, while enjoying a bike ride to a sno-cone stand, she asked, “Do I have to rush, Mama?” My heart sank as I recognized the lingering effects of my hurried past.
I had a choice: dwell on my past mistakes or celebrate my commitment to change. I chose the latter. “You don’t have to rush. Just take your time,” I replied gently. Her entire demeanor brightened, and we spent the afternoon chatting and enjoying each other’s company.
As she savored her treat, she even offered me the last bite, saying, “I saved this for you, Mama.” In that moment, I understood the value of slowing down.
Whether it’s enjoying sno-cones, picking flowers, or simply strolling, I now refuse to say, “We don’t have time for this.” That phrase translates to “We don’t have time to live.” Taking a moment to appreciate life’s little pleasures is how we truly live.
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Summary:
In a world that often prioritizes speed over savoring moments, I realized the importance of slowing down for my children. After years of rushing my daughter, a moment of reflection prompted me to embrace her carefree spirit. By allowing her to dictate our pace, I discovered the beauty in life’s simple joys, ultimately transforming my parenting approach.
Keyphrase: Parenting Without Rushing
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