Speed up, slow down, and two hundred dollars when you pass go.

AHA'S AND ACTION:

Here are 2 thoughts, 2 inspirations, and 1 question for you to reflect on this week…

2 THOUGHTS FROM ME

I notice how quickly my mind speeds things up. Especially when I feel uncertain about something, I always feel this real sense of urgency to figure it out or this sick feeling in my body. That’s when I know I need to slow down because I have learned that this is not when I am able to make the next best decision or take the next right action. The other day one of my sons was ticked off and taking out his frustrations on me and instantly I could feel this urge to react and tell him to zip it. Luckily, I caught myself and was able to understand him in that moment and feel compassion towards him – we ended up having a great conversation. Phew! (And yep, things don’t always go this well, but I am a work in progress).

What usually helps isn’t figuring it out faster. It’s slowing down enough to pass through that mental “Go” space again. When I do, perspective quietly returns. The charge drops. I see that nothing needs to escalate. If I reacted quickly to my son, it wouldn’t have gone well at all. It may have turned into a screaming match where we hurt each other and that’s not who I want to be as a mom. I’m glad I was able to slow down.

2 INSPIRATIONS FROM OTHER PEOPLE

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space.” by Viktor Frankl.

“You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to.” by Unknown.

1 QUESTION FOR YOU

Where might slowing down—just a little—save you time, energy, or unnecessary drama this week?

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