Can You Slow Down?

If you had the gift of 40 days to re-think and re-focus on who you are, to pause, to slow down, to remember who you are and where you are headed…what would you do with that time?  How would you approach that prompt? 

What if I told you that time is now?  The 40-day gift is here. 

From Wednesday, February 18 to Saturday, April 4, Christians around the world will observe the Lenten Journey.  As my pastor John Morris says, ‘Lent is six weeks of intentionally thinking about who we are and whose we are.’ 

What a blessing. 

The part I really struggle with is the ‘slow down’.  I am always going, going, going – my mind included.  It is hard for me to turn it off.  A few years ago, a group of my best HR pals were discussing fitness and workouts, and the topic of yoga came up.  I confessed that I have shied away from yoga because I can’t turn my brain off long enough to concentrate in the workout.  My mind wanders when I’m supposed to focus on my breath or pose.  My good friend, Mary Williams, said something profound (as per usual) – ‘Maybe you have to give yourself permission to turn your mind off and allow yourself to enjoy it.’  Mic drop.  Mind blown. 

I sat with that perspective for a while, and I concluded that Mary was right (also, per usual).  For many of us, especially the working parents and caregivers, we are on the go constantly.  There is always something else I could be doing or could be working on.  The work is never done.  And that’s okay.  It doesn’t mean I can’t take the time to think, to refocus, to slow down.  I am allowed to embrace the gift that is the season of Lent. 

It has been one year since I was laid off and my world spun upside down.  I honestly feel I have been riding a rollercoaster for the past 12 months.  But I am happy to report that all is well.  The saying is, ‘When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.’  I am a living, breathing testimony of that truth.  Every day I get to do what I love – consulting, teaching, speaking, writing – in the name of supporting small businesses and the HR industry.  I am beyond blessed. 

So you know what I’m going to do?  I’m going to slow down.  I’m going to embrace the remainder of the 40 days.  I’m going to think.  I’m going to worship and give praise.  I am going to give myself permission to pause to remember who I am and whose I am.  I will focus on my passion and purpose as I plan for the rest of this year.  I will let go and let God.