Is it just me, or does anyone else feel those around them spiraling out of control? I hear stories from so many people, even those that are very sick, constantly trying to keep up.....and my question is.....who are they trying to keep up with? I believe that people usually try and keep up with a pace that is set by the world, even though it's not really clear how or when it was set up. I do know that the pace is completely different from as recent as the 80's and 90's when I raised my children. Maybe it was the computer, video machines, or mobile phones, or maybe it was a combination of several different things happening. Mothers were more content to stay at home, whereas now they feel compelled to seek an outside job.
The usual excuse for this is there is no way that a family can live on the income of one person in the household. Even though I think the reason for this is all the stuff we feel like we have to have in order to function. I could come up with a long list of things that none of us absolutely have to have, and that cost a considerable amount of money. However, the real question remains, why do we think we need all the gadgets and toys to survive? While some of them are nice to have, they do in fact cost money, and they encourage us to incorporate multi tasking into our already busy lives. So how in the world can one slow down when we put so much importance on those things we don't really need?
I would encourage everyone to sit down and make a list of the things you pay for each month that if you didn't have, you could still actually survive. That the only reason you have them is because everyone else has them, and you don't want to seem out of place in today's world. We had none of these things when I was growing up and did just fine......so what's all the fuss about? Do people not understand that in order to hang onto these things, whether it's cable tv, cell phones, computers, blackberry's, fancy cars, huge houses, credit cards, eating out, etc.....it not only cost you your peace of mind, but it takes time away from your children while they are young? All because we are trying to "keep up" instead of slow down.
Most people will say there is no way they can slow down.....but of course I believe slowing down is a choice, and it requires one simple word.......NO. And let's face it, with the economy issues that we face now, that word is going to have to be used more often. No to eating out, no to special treats at the grocery store, going to the movies, or taking vacations. No to buying new clothes when you have plenty to wear, no to buying new cars that demand fuel that's becoming scarce. Obviously this list goes on, and only you can decide when and where you can say no.
Rest assured, with our current situation, and the overwhelming numbers of stress related diseases, along with the millions that have no peace and joy in their life because they are just too busy trying to keep up, there will be a price to pay that will add up to be much greater than all those gadgets and "stuff" that we cling to so tightly. I believe change of pace starts with one person deciding to slow down and making different choices so their life is less stressful, and they can start to appreciate the simple things in life. Those around you will see that you are slowing down, and the benefits that come with slowing down, and realize how they can do the same.
So, make the choice to slow down and watch the ripple effect. Sort of like the wave at a stadium game. It has to start with just a few people, and before you know it, everyone wants to be a part of the wave. Will you be one of the few that starts the wave to slow down?
