A glorious slow living day where nothing got done

It’s 4:14pm.

As often happens, the realization that no dinner plan is in the works strikes me. My colossal to-do list is startling close to the same size it was this morning.

I began to lament about the unaccomplished and felt frustration wrap around me.

Why can’t I just get things done?

Two reasons jump out at me:

1. My expectations and goals always, 100% of the time, far exceed my mortal capabilities. It would be more realistic to choose 3-4 thing per day, just for that day, and work towards them. I mean, who can get 47 tasks done a day (with joy?)

2. I was busy enjoying life. I didn’t work on my book idea, plan out a month of blog posts, update my widgets, write a letter, return a phone call…or make dinner. Autumn hit in my part of the country. I delighted in it. I embraced it, savored it.

Yes, I planned lots of work to be done, and I enjoy working hard. But I also am a big believer in living in gratitude and curiosity.

 I didn’t do what was planned, but I surely embraced what wasn’t.

 

What does slow living look like?

Today I sat in the car waiting on someone and read a book I’ve been waiting to savor since summer. And the light came in and danced around me with soft, fall-infused hues. I noticed how warm it felt and I shut my eyes with delight.

As they opened, I noticed the shadows my fingers made across the pages. And yes, I made shadow puppets. Curious to do as a woman in her 40’s, alone in the car.

And it was fun.

I drove through the countryside, stopping to take pictures, and appreciated the changing colors of the fields.

The roads were shared by tractors, driving unsteadily on the concrete.

I was grateful.

My daughter and I went to a farm just to get apples and fresh donuts available just one season a year.

We savored the textures and smiled with sugar-crumbed lips.

I was satisfied.

 

 

Live a slow and simple life

Instead of pushing through fatigue, I took a nap.

A glorious, restful nap. Where the sounds of the outside world came through my window and mixed with my fan to lull me to sleep.

I was rested.

My daughter caught me staring out the window. Again. She reminded me I’d said I was working. And I told her I was…because it is true.

A writer is always thinking and piecing together life to make sense of it all. Creating story.

I was thoughtful.

She brought me a piece of a Clementine, something I don’t eat. As I popped it into my mouth, the explosion of juice hit my tongue as I bit into it.

The juice surprising me, giving me pause, as I considered the luxury of fresh fruit. Wondering why I would choose junk food over this!

I was delighted.

I listened to the little boys outside as they talk and laugh and big brother pushes little brother in a plastic red car.

These tiny future men, playing.

I was smiling.

So no, dinner wasn’t made and goals weren’t met. Yet, life was fully lived. I celebrated that today I was honored to have the freedom to choose these moments.

And that was something even more important than anything on a list.

I lived well. I appreciated God’s tremendous blessings and creativity all around me. I loved and laughed.

There is no loss in that, no guilt to be had. Only joy. Gratitude that this day, the only one promised, was spent embracing life.

 

Slow living resources you might enjoy:

• This is Home: The Art of Simple Living
• Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives   SO good
• Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life
• Seeking Slow: Reclaim Moments of Calm in Your Day
• The Simple Living Guide: A Sourcebook for Less Stressful, More Joyful Living
• Disclosure: I only recommend products I do/would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at NO additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission to help support this blog. Read full privacy policy here.