It’s OK to Start Slow

Life is funny.  I just declared I will be “Unstoppable” (Who's feeling adventurous?). I was all fired up, filled with courage and determination to make this the best year yet, and then I got sidelined by a cold.  I’m not out of the game, but I feel like I have really slowed down.

If for any reason you are feeling like the beginning of the year has not turned out as you planned, guess what?  It’s ok.  So often, we think we need to burst out of the gate with a feeling of invincibility and get the fastest time to win.  I decided at the end of last year that I would be slowing down.  Somehow I forgot that, maybe because so many people have been hyping the new year. I will be laying the foundation and working a lot behind the scenes before you see me again regularly.  I have a lot planned but you will not see much of me in January and February.  I will keep you posted with my plans for the near future as they develop.

How about you?  What would happen if you slowed your roll to take a look at what you need to work on?  Let's face it. We're not just professionals. We're mothers, daughters, partners, caretakers, and the list goes on. We juggle deadlines and family dinners, client meetings and parent-teacher conferences. And through it all, we keep our ambitions alive – ambitions for success, for recognition, for financial stability. It's a high-wire act, and we're the performers. But we can’t always keep going full tilt all the time.  Slowing down is a sign of strength, not weakness.  How can we give to others if we are running on empty?

I believe that we are better off when we take some time for ourselves, whatever that means to you.  Whether it’s a run or walk, a peaceful bath and night routine, or going shopping with a girlfriend, what will you commit to doing so you can have some time for yourself?  And if it means locking yourself in the bathroom for 10 minutes to take a break, that is time well spent.  Your assignment this week is to take at least 10 minutes per day for yourself.  Who’s with me?  Send me an email if you need more reasons to take care of yourself. Don’t forget, it’s difficult to take care of other people when you’re sick and tired.

We are not made to work hard all the time and if you just sprinted through the holidays and/or year end efforts that zapped your strength, I encourage you to take the time you need.  I hope this helps.  xo