On the Go Slow

After just one week back at school, it has hit me just how much we have had to pick up the pace.  In order to be at school on time, eat on time, complete homework in time to get to bed on time.  It really is quite exhausting.

So why is it, that when we are in such a hurry, (which lets face it is so frequent in this go go go society we live in), the kids go slow, slow, slow!

Maybe it is just me that experiences this phenomenon? 

But I am beginning to notice that the faster I go, the slower they choose to go.

And lately as I have become more aware of my "hurriedness" I have also noticed the language that accompanies it, and was a little taken aback by the number of times a day I hear myself saying the likes of ...

quickly quickly
hurry up
come on
we are running late

go fast

move it

go faster

1, 2, 3...

it's time to go

lets go

we are going

I am going

To make matters worse in those "running late" moments often they choose to amble absentmindedly just in front of your feet, slowing your pace to a hurried shuffle and eventually causing you to stumble and trip over them, as you endeavour to maintain your "pace".

In an attempt to hurry them along, a gentle but firm loving push will no doubt cause them to stumble and trip, slowing you down even further as you tend to the injury, all be it physical or emotional.

To be honest, in our household it is rare to be able to have the Mob, ready, packed, seated, belted and happy to leave the house on time (at any time of the day).  Our experience typically unfolds with me barking out orders like...

put your shoes on

get your jacket

go toilet quick

have you been toilet

grab your bag

in the car

seat belt on

IS YOUR SEAT BELT ON?

To sustain the rate of knots we are living I am on autopilot half of the time. I have become so automatic, a stuck record! I am certainly tired of thinking it, over saying it and most definitely sick of hearing it.

Not buying into this "hurry mentality" instead my kids choose to:

be precise with things

want to explain something in detail

ask questions

be independent

have a creative streak

be spontaetonus

get distracted

enjoy company

play

engage in conversation

The above describes me to a T.

These are the things that I enjoy or aspire to do, but so often just have no time (or choose to make no time) for.

Maybe I have a case of slow envy?

Deep down I want to slow down and take some time to stop and "smell the roses" in the midst of the daily itinerary of life.

So as we tackle this new term, it is an opportunity for this Imperfect Mum who is on the "fast track" to hit the pause button, jump off and climb aboard the "go slow".

pause

I confess I was a little slow off the mark in proofing and hitting the publish button on this post!

So.... you may be shocked, surprised, possibly horrified or even a little humoured to know that not just 1 week of school has passed me by, but Term 4, Christmas Holidays, Term 1 and 2 more weeks of holidays.

Argh, where did that time go?

Is it dejavu? or just plain ironic, that I find myself sitting here yet again, reflecting on the past few months and weeks that flew on by me and yet again questioning our pace of life.

That said, I am pleased to report that the hustle and bustle of life has slowed down somewhat.  Our new location, a few lifestyle changes, joining the oh so wonderful walking school bus and a step up in responsibility on the Mob's part have all contributed to a little bit more of leisurely living.

Not there yet, but definitely heading in the right direction.

One slow and steady pace at a time.

So how is your pace of life?  

Are you slow and steady or fast and furious?