Life in the Slow Lane

If you had told me five years ago I would be living life in the slow lane I would have thought you had gone mad. I am a type A personality, always on the go, I would rush from one thing to the next. I would also rush my children, “hurry hurry we have get to here or there.” Until, I got sick, really sick with whooping cough and a string of other viruses of which landed me in bed for nearly twelve months...a whole year!

I had to stop completely, with only enough energy to keep the household functioning. Do you know how frustrating that is for a go getter? However, during this time my life changed completely and in hind sight for the very best. I had no choice but to go slow. I remember being so frustrated at not being able to do things at the speed of light as I had in the past, at having to go slow. After about about three months in, I started to notice little things that in my past fast lane life passed me by completely. I would take the washing off the old hills hoist and I could feel and almost smell the sunshine on my sons t shirts as I folded them. The joy that gave me was palatable. I looked for other things to enjoy as I was in this time of slowness so I might as well explore it. I would watch the chickens scratch and wonder about, chickens are quite entertaining to watch and it is so calming. In the past I would just throw the seed and leave them to it. I would sit under the tree as they poked around, I discovered they have very distinct personalities. Who knew! Mary Mercury Retrograde is the oldest chicken and is very neurotic, she flaps about squarking at this and that. Ursula the bantam bosses the other chickens while Gucci the posh one regally walks about quietly clucking to herself.

It was around this time that I noticed an urge to be creative, I started writing poems and short stories, I also painted. I did not have one clue that I could do any of these things in my former fast life. I was truly astounded. Little by little my health improved, however I was reluctant to let go of a slower paced life. Instead I immersed myself into it. I soon realised that I was getting moving through life with more joy, wonder, creativity and peace. I still get life done, it is just in a very different more meaningful way.

I started asking myself questions about what I really wanted from life and who I was as a person at a deeper level. The answers have led to a life that I am very happy in, I can’t express what a gift slowfulness living has been to me. I hope this story inspires you to go a little slower in your life too and that you are able to discover things about yourself that might surprise you in this slowful place.

Alisha Maree

Slowfulness Living