For those of us who are high-performance driven, it’s hard for us to embrace the idea of slowing down and easy to get caught up in the pursuit of excellence and achievement. But oftentimes, when we are committed to doing amazing things, we can burn ourselves out. This is why it’s so important for us to slow down and check in with ourselves once in a while.
The art of slowing down.
Slowing down and taking the time to connect with ourselves gives us the opportunity to make sure we are going fast in the right direction and doing the right things. It’s about practicing being curious not judgemental, without trying to fix or change anything, just noticing what’s present without expectation.
Learning to be curious not judgemental.
Sometimes, it feels uncomfortable to slow down because we don’t like what comes up with it. But it’s important to be curious and open to whatever is coming up rather than ignoring it and pushing through. Maybe you notice a back ache; notice it with curiosity and see how you can make it feel better. Or, maybe it’s an uncomfortable emotion that comes up – notice it with curiosity and give yourself permission to be present and to fully experience it.
How to be present and check in with yourself.
We often get focused on supporting others that we forget to give ourselves the same level of care and attention. Take a moment to be present and reflect on what you’ve given to other people this past week; now, reflect on what you’ve given yourself this past week. Are you doing what you need to do for yourself so that you can show up as your best self?
Ask yourself what shifts do you need to make in your life? Are there any changes you want to make in the way you approach things? It’s important, to be honest with ourselves and to make all changes necessary for us to live well.
Conclusion: Slowing down is key to living a fulfilled life
It’s essential for us to slow down and check in with ourselves. It’s about learning to be curious not judgemental and giving ourselves the support and care we need.
Approaching the new year, take some time to be present, reflect on the past year and make any necessary changes for a better future.
