Previously posted on August 26, 2017 @Homescool.ph
It has been a long while since my last post. And I think, it is mainly because I had to learn to slow down, to say, “No” and breathe. Some others think it is because of the many homeschool seminars we’ve been running, not really. Or, that I have become too busy. I have maybe an average of 2 half day runs per month and that’s really not so bad. We actually have one this afternoon but instead of fussing about, I am now listening to the birds outside my window and blogging away.
Yes, everyone needs to slow down and find that pace in life that isn’t too slow, lethargic and unproductive, yet is not too hectic, unhealthy and stressful (full!). The online world and social media aren’t really helping in this quest for the right pace. At one end, it can push you to sluggishness, consuming every content out there, but it can also lead to feeling the “super invincible woman” who can multitask and attend to so many demands with your smartphone and all the apps that make life simpler. Does it really?
Well, all I know is that I have slowed down. For one, I have, without guilt, caught up with a TV mini-series my husband was into, and it has opened a world of conversation and connection for us. Guess which series???
I have found time to reconnect with grade school, high school and college and even Medicine batch mates in the last several months. Trips to Quezon City no longer daunt and haunt me. Remember the Danish proverb??? “The road to a friend’s house is never long.”
And yes finally, finally, I had time to bond with sisters on a joint or one on one dates, short ones or even overnight in the beach or in a farm.
I was reminded of this need to slow down just a few days ago… I put this on a desk at home and one family member said, “It’s nice. What photo will you put into it?”
Maybe, the image wasn’t worthy to display. But then how about the message? It was sure worth it for me. When I saw this card from Floral Atelier in Tiong Bahru area in Singapore, I just knew I had to get it… and thought of a nice silver frame for it, but I ended up with this acrylic frame, on sale, from Crate and Barrel in Makati. But some can miss it really.
One weekend ago, I just decided to say “Yes” without much ado and be the “malaking hadlang” (MH, one who blocks, or one makes two, a crowd, by joining!) to my sister and her hubby. It has been tough gathering and uniting schedules of Gilbert and 4 kids for a beach trip so when there was a chance, I grabbed it. For myself. I said I can go. I figured my family can do without me for a one night and two full days.
We then decided to visit brother Kiko’s Sweet Spring Farm in Alfonso after a day in the beach in Nasugbu and I learned a whole lot from brother-in-law, Boogi.
(Oh, we need to stop and see indeed!)
And finally, my BFFS bond with my sister Felichi! That’s not very often, and it was really heartwarming to see such bonding.
Indeed, we all need to slow down. Slow down doesn’t always mean doing less but I guess, slowing down to know what really matters and focusing on those. And yes, we all need that. In this world of non-stop calls for our attention, and distraction, we need to slow down.
What will this mean for you? Think it through and make the adjustments. It could be as simple as turning off the phone, limiting social media or simplifying some things like meals (my sister would have sandwich nights when dinner preparations were tough to handle). For me, one of the best ways to slow down is to start your day early and slowly, when many concerns and people are still asleep (hehe) and listen to music, meditate, read God’s word and pray!
I need to sign off for now. Off to Quezon City for a seminar. It’s August 26 and let me take this chance to greet my ate (mommy) Angeli, Happy Birthday dearest sister! I’ll see you later!
Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway? (The Message)
Jeremiah 2:25
Donna P. Simpao, M.D. 