If you’ve been wondering how to slow down in life, you’re not alone. I am not going to lie. For the longest time I walked around busier than I would like to be. I acted like being busy was a badge of honor or something. My calendar was always full. My t0-do list never seemed to end. Between work, family, running kids to events, keeping up with the house (or at least trying to!), and trying to squeeze in time for everyone else, I always felt like I was racing the clock.
Maybe you can relate?
There was a time when I thought being busy meant I was being productive. If I wasn’t constantly doing something, I felt like I was falling behind. But over the years, I have come to realize that being busy isn’t always the same as living well.
Sometimes you’re busy because life simply demands it. Other times, we are busy because we’ve simply forgotten to slow down.
If you’re new here. I’m Mandee…a wife, mom of five boys, business owner, and someone who is still learning what it means to slow down and enjoy the season I’m in. You can learn more about me here.
Here are a few things being busy has taught me:
- Not Everything Is Urgent– Everything can feel like it needs your attention right now. Emails pile up, the laundry piles up, the dishes seem to multiply overnight, someone always needs a ride, an answer, a favor. I’ve learned that just because something is urgent doesn’t mean it’s important. Sometimes the best thing I can do is pause, take a breath, and ask myself, “Will this still matter next week?” More often than not, the answer is no.
- Why Rest Is Essential For Finding Balance In Life– This was probably the hardest lesson for me. I used to think resting meant I was wasting time. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup forever. Taking an evening off, reading a book, sitting outside with a cup of coffee, or simply spending uninterrupted time with family isn’t being lazy…it’s recharging. What do you do when your electronics are not working right? You reset them! The same needs to be done to ourselves, and ironically, I usually accomplish more after I’ve allowed myself time to rest. Some of my favorite memories have come from simply getting away with my family. Whether it’s spending time in the Smoky Mountains or just enjoying a slower weekend together. I’ve realized those moments often matter more than another item checked off my t0-do list.
- Perfect Is the Enemy of Done– I like doing things well. But sometimes striving for perfection keeps us from making progress. I’ve learned that it’s ok if dinner isn’t fancy. It’s ok if the house isn’t spotless. It’s ok if a project isn’t perfect before it’s shared. Done is often better than perfect.
- Learning How to Be More Present Every Day– At the end of the day, I don’t remember every email I answered or every chore I completed. I remember conversations, laughter around the dinner table, watching my kids do something they were proud of, and other small things that add up. Those are the moments that stay with us. The work will still be there tomorrow. The people we love deserve our attention today.
- It’s Okay to Say No– This one didn’t come naturally, and I’ll be honest it can be hard at first. I used to feel guilty turning people down or admitting I couldn’t fit one more thing into my schedule. Now I understand that every time I say yes to something, I’m saying no to something else. Sometimes saying no is exactly what protects your time, your peace and your family.
- Small Moments Add Up– Life isn’t made up only of the big milestones. it’s found in morning coffee before the house wakes up, a quiet drive, a walk outside, a heartfelt conversation with an old friend, watching the sunset, or taking a nap. The older I get, the more I appreciate these ordinary moments. They have a way of reminding me that life doesn’t have to be extraordinary every day to be beautiful.
What I have really learned and want you to take away from all of this is that I’m still busy. Life hasn’t magically slowed down, and I don’t expect it to. But, I’ve learned how to slow down in life by changing my mindset instead of waiting for my schedule to magically clear itself. I’ve taken time to stop measuring my worth by how much I can cram into a day. These days, I’m trying to measure my life differently, not by how busy I am, but by how present I am. If I’ve loved my family well, treated people kindly, worked with integrity, and make time for what truly matters, then I’d call that a pretty successful day.
Maybe you’re in a season where life feels overwhelming. If so, I hope this encourages you to give yourself a little grace. Learning how to slow down in life isn’t about doing less every minute of every day, it’s about being intentional with the moments you’ve been given.
The dishes can wait. The email can wait. The laundry will still be there tomorrow. But today’s moments? Those are worth slowing down for.
What has being busy taught you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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