Monday, October 4, 2010

Slowing things Down

Hi, my name is Lindsay and I am a "busy-aholic." I'm always taking on more than I can handle and I don't know how to use the word "no." I define myself by my daily productivity while tackling my to-do lists. Can you relate?
Sadly, this is the norm for most Americans. We are constantly adding more to our plate and going 100mph each day. I am 100% guilty of this. In fact, I don't know what to do if I have spare time. I can't sit still! But luckily, I've married a foreigner (my Kiwi hubs) who has taught me the importance of slowly things down. Sit, relax, no I mean REALLY relax. Take a bath, read a book while sipping on some tea, spend hours sitting at the dinner table with a good meal and good company. In other words, don't look at your to-do list, don't look at clock, and turn off your phone!

This past Saturday evening, I decided to slow things down........

The hubs favorite restaurant (MAUDIES) just opened a new location in the Hill Country- YEA!

1st basket of GLUTEN FREE chips and salsa. We sat and enjoyed our outside table for a while
  
Then there was wine.....still enjoying the outside and no decisions on ordering yet. Taking our time....


Another glass? Sure!
  
an hour later....yummm....

keep it coming!
post dinner (2 hours later)....happy bellies and good conversation!

Next we wandered here. A little reading and relaxing!
 
what better to read with than a hot cuppa tea?!
 
I found myself glued to this section of course.
 
and a handsome man (aka "the hubs") to sit next too!
Now its Monday, I'm refreshed, I'm relaxed, ready for the week. This week I will make sure to eat my meals at the table. Not in the car, not by my computer, not with the TV on. I will turn my phone on silent after 7pm, and I will take time to SLOW things down. Quality over Quantity, right? Wish me luck!!

How do you slow things down, or do you?

Cheers,
LC

24 comments:

Nichole said...

It's OK to slow it down a bit, and how often do I need this reminder. Good for you:)

Chloe said...

How do I slow down? Sleep :) But thankfully Big J and I are able to go fishing quite a bit - which is a very nice way to relax!

I kept my eyes open for your hubs in Augusta - but I did not see him. I was all ready with "Hi - my name is chloe and I read your wife's blog. good luck tomorrow" Ha!!

Abby said...

I need to do that!! Next weekend I promised myself that I'm not taking any trips because I am ALWAYS on the go! I'm not really a "list maker" but I just want to do EVERYTHING and say yes to EVERYONE so then I get overwhelmed. I feeling that way right now, so this post was very timely!!! Thanks, friend!

Unknown said...

it's always important to remember to slow down! glad you were able to this weekend :) we don't have to do it all! (i'm guilty of trying, too, so i'm hoping i remember my own advice!)

cherelli said...

I like your weekend version of slowing down, that same type of format helps me too :) My favourite is Brett and I taking a 30min walk to our local cafe and just browing through the free papers and books they have there, then meandering back. Also, I find something about walking through all the Fall colours very relaxing....

Bre said...

definitely can relate! I'm terrible at sitting still, but give me a week at the ocean beach & sun, a few good books and I will lay for 8 hours without moving an inch. But I know it will only be for a week! Yoga helps slow me down during the rest of the year- but that's as close to still as I get!
P.S. that restaurant looks like it has yummy yummy food! I'm adding it to my list of reasons Austin makes a better home than Canada! ;)

Marci said...

I just like to be in my house watching tv or catching up on the computer. that is slowing it down for me! and welcomed when I have time for it.

Lisa (bakebikeblog) said...

I totally need to take a leaf out of the 'slow down' book :) It's been crazy around here lately!

Eden said...

I could live in barnes and nobel! Seriously, that what i do on rainy days when i get bored sitting at home.
Yay to slowing thngs down, i need to start doing that!

Zoe said...

Slow down?! How is there time?? ;)
I just curl up and read.
Sounds like the story of my life....B&N is like my second home!!!

Anonymous said...

When I lay down in bed I let a big sigh of relief. It's my favorite part of the day. I try to chill with Mike for an hour each night too.

Heather (Where's the Beach) said...

What a great way to spend an evening. It's soooo hard for me to slow down too. The last time we had a meal like that was for our anniversary. We didn't rush, we just enjoyed. Need to do that far more often.

Kelly said...

I can sooo relate to that. I never slow down and when I do, I feel antsy most of the time. You and your "hubs" are too cute! I'm glad you had a nice date night. :)

Viviane said...

Great post Lindsay! I think a LOT of women can relate to you on that, including myself. I've learned to relax after my body gave me signs of exhaustion: I had no choice but to slow.down.

The library sounds like an amazing way to start relaxing! I could be sitting on a couch doing nothing all day, as long as I have a good book on hand! I actually read a really good book a few years ago (it was in french though: "L'Éloge de la Lenteur") and discusses the new worldwide "slow" movements. Quite interesting!

Keep it up girl, you deserve to pamper yourslef! :)

Mo said...

It is a lot easier for me to slow down now that I'm a stay at home mom. I find that having set time in the evening to read or watch a favorite show together makes both my husband and I slow down and just relax. SO important to our health!

TheFitnessFreak said...

Wow Lindsay, that was so relaxing to read! I was imagining myself doing the same thing : ) Thanks for the imaginary break! My hubby loves Road Bike magazine. He stands around at Borders and reads either that or a gun magazine. Fun times! Enjoy relaxing!!

Nicole

Anonymous said...

I absolutely LOVE yalls date.. I love book stores!!! Gah I am terrible at slowing down in college, but every night when I have my quiet time, it's really nice to STOP and really analyze and pray about what God is doing in my life. I also love to slow down by going on walks, I know that sounds like an oxymoron but they are SO relaxing for me and such a nice escape! LOVE YOU!

Penny Lane said...

Girl, I know how hard it is to slow down. I spend so much time multi-tasking even when I am doing leisure activities.
Your saturday sounded like a great relaxing time, I know that I enjoy a good meal then a little time in the bookstore (I miss my 1/2 price books I could spend hours and millions in there)

Dorry said...

What a perfect night! I love Maudie's (but my heart belongs to Guero's). Billy and I do the same thing certain nights at restaurants...just take our time, don't let the server rush us into ordering quickly and get into some good conversation. We've had a lot of time to do that on the trip...but home to Dallas tonight!

sophia said...

Hello, Lindsay, from a fellow busyholic .

Now, to find myself a hot kiwi who will mend my ways...

GoBigGreen said...

I Think that getting out of the house helps me! So like you, gotta go out for a meal otherwise i tend to jump up and down from the table FAR too many times!
Wish we still had the outdoor seating like you do!

Maggie @ Flour Child said...

This post is suuuuch a good reminder to slow down and enjoy time with oneself, the husband, friends, etc. I have difficulting sitting still myself, and my husband gets really annoyed if I check my phone (i.e., Twitter feed) at home in the evenings. So now I put it away and focus on him instead.

Lisa (bakebikeblog) said...

I totally need to take a leaf out of the 'slow down' book :) It's been crazy around here lately!

Marci said...

I just like to be in my house watching tv or catching up on the computer. that is slowing it down for me! and welcomed when I have time for it.