Slow Down
Living in the DMV, formally known as the DC, Maryland and Virginia area, you will find that it is common for the spring and summer months to be a time for being social and in the fall and winter all the rooftop parties, cookouts, and other social events are few and far apart. For me and a few others, the cold weather is the primary reason and sole deterrent to going out and “being on the scene”.
Fortunately for me, fall is here and I’m forced to slow down. I often hear my peers joke about being as social as possible before hibernation season. Just like a bear, I go into hiding because the cold weather is too much for me and everything hurts--my face when walking against the cold, dry wind, my eyes constantly water and all my extremities fight to stay warm. I hate being outside during the colder months and as it gets colder I’ll probably only leave my warm home for the essentials—food, gas, and work!! Slowing down in the colder months allows me to spend more time with my family and even gives me time to do the things I love most. But if the weather never changed would I miss out on those moments and still be on the go? As I thought about how the weather slows me down I asked myself two questions,
“1. Outside of social events, what am I giving 110% to in my life?
2. Do I need to stop doing whatever ‘It’ is so I can evaluate the amount of effort I’m giving and reflect on what I’m getting out of it?”
Generally speaking, we are creatures of habit and our schedules, for the most part, are consistently stable Monday through Friday. I often get so used to giving my time, energy and emotions to things that I begin to do those things without really giving a lot of thought to what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. In one season, my efforts towards a person or group of people may be absolutely necessary but in another, it may be time to re-evaluate where my time is being spent. Take the time to stop what’s routine for you and see if it’s worth being a part of your routine. Food for thought: Is what’s routine for you worth remaining “routine”? Or can your time and energy be more useful in other areas of your life? It’s ok to be selfish for personal growth and peace. If taking a break from friendships is what you need, communicate that to those friends and take a break. If it’s a few days off from your job to get centered, put it on the calendar and be unreachable for a bit--don’t worry whatever they need will get done in your absence.
I'll admit that the monotony of everyday life has the ability to make me fall into a routine that may not necessarily be worth it. We are given a limited amount of time here on earth and I’ve decided going forward I’d spend my time, efforts and energy on things and people that are life-giving to me and those around me and on things that will have a positive impact on my personal, emotional, spiritual physical and mental growth. If you’re like me, don’t let the arrival of cold weather be the only time you slow down to reflect on what and who you are invested in. Begin reflecting and assessing what you're giving yourself to and make it a habit to do it consistently and often.