Slow Reflections #2

Part of the Slow Living Handbook (that you can enter to win here) includes a section that asks you questions and has you figure out your own thoughts on slow living.  One of the first questions is:

"What are five things we currently are doing as a family that feel slow?"

So this week I have been paying attention to moments when I feel good about the choices we are making and whether what we are doing feels "slow" to me.  The handbook confidently explains that Slow Family Living is NOT: doing something somebody else's way, doing it the "right way" or because it is what you are "supposed to do".    From reading the handbook I am seeing that for each family and each stage your family is at - Slow living could look differently.

These are  5 moments that I took time and intentionally made time for that felt "slow" to me this week.

1.  Instead of leaving for my parents on Tuesday we hung back and waited until Wednesday.  On Tuesday the boys had picnic lunch up in our swing set.  They hadn't done this yet.  It was quiet.  They talked.  I had quiet.  It is what spring days are all about.

2.  I intentionally make time before we travel to clean the car.  I take it for a carwash, lug the shop vac from the basement, clear out the junk and make it feel calm.  It makes such a difference.  The boys love helping me "clean" the car.  They climb around, pretend to drive, and search for lost toys and crackers.

3.  Travelling to grandma's always slows us down.  Taking 6 hours in the car - just me and the boys gives us time to do not much but look out the window, chat, sing, sleep, and watch a cartoon or two.

4.  When at my parents it is easy to feel relaxed because we aren't surrounded by all the distractions that are at home.  Yesterday afternoon we spent an hour and a half at a simple park in my parent's neighborhood.  The boys played power rangers, space ship, and something with pinecones...not sure what that was.  At one point I laid down on the park bench and shut my eyes and just listened.  It was perfect.  per.fect.

5.  Working out.  I have made time for walks and the Shred video several times this week.  Taking that 20-30 minutes for me has done a number on my mood.  A friend made the point of sharing how changing her attitude to "I deserve to work out." really helped her make it more of a priority in her day.

For me, slow living starts, by giving my boys time to just enjoy each other.  It involves making time with them that isn't distracted by household chores and responsibilities.  It allows me to intentionally make choices that give priority to things that are healthy for our bodies and souls.


Happy Friday friends!  I hope your weekends are filled with fun.  I hope they go slow so you can savor the moments you build as a family.
  
Welcome Friday Follow friends and New Friend Friday pals.