Goin' Slow

Life has changed.

When younger and without the imposition of Multiple Sclerosis, I fully embraced the opportunity to do things quickly.  I ran from place to place, I juggled multiple tasks, I rushed through conversations, I downed my food quickly.

I focussed on what was next and how much I could get done as quickly as possible.  I noticed as my career progressed that the demand to move quickly, decide quickly, act and move on became the latter day mantra and imperative for perceived success.

Now I have both the opportunity and am forced to 'go slow'.  The opportunity through retirement and the compulsion by virtue of MS.  At first, this has been a frustration.  How can I possibly get done all the things that need to be completed...and now?

But over time, I have come to appreciate and value the benefits of 'goin' slow'. The obvious...not falling over when rushing to my next appointment or task, but also the less obvious.  Taking time to plan and sort the important and meaningful from the pack of pressing demands on my time.  Taking time to be quiet, reflect and be calm with the associated benefits for my health, demeanour and relationships.  To focus on quality rather than speed and spending time on what I value rather than just on those things that are forced on me.

Consequently, I feel better... calmer, fitter and more satisfied with life and I feel as though I have more time and more capacity to get things done.  Strange that something that has been imposed on me by my health and over which I perceived I had no control should turn out to be a real asset.

So let me encourage you to take time to go slow and reap the benefits and as I have, feel the quality of your life improve.

Life has changed...for the better.