As I approach my 28th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the passage of time with a mix of wonder and disbelief. Time seems to have raced by, leaving me to ponder the milestones I envisioned for myself by now. Yet, despite not having all the answers, I’ve come to realize that it’s perfectly okay to embrace uncertainty.
Two occasions each year evoke a sense of introspection for me: New Year’s Eve and my birthday. As these dates drew near, I often found myself questioning where all that time went. In today’s hectic world, it’s common to think that happiness awaits us at some destination. We become consumed by busyness, losing sight of life’s quieter moments. This is why I cherish my mornings — a sanctuary where I can simply enjoy a cup of tea or meditate without distraction. The moment I step out of that bubble, life becomes a whirlwind.
While we’re led to believe that being busy is a virtue, perhaps there’s more value in slowing down. By doing so, we can truly savor life and appreciate its little joys.
3 THINGS TO DO SLOWER
EAT
Slowing down while eating is essential. My relationship with food has evolved significantly. Once fraught with unhealthy habits, I now cherish it. Whether I devote three hours to preparing a meal or a quick dinner, I refuse to eat distractedly, even if alone. I set the table nicely, savoring each texture, flavor, and aroma. Practicing mindful eating not only enhances enjoyment but also allows for more aware fullness compared to mindlessly munching while distracted.
Mindful eating doesn’t necessitate a long, silent ritual. It’s more about being present with the food, avoiding hurried bites. Family dinners can maintain their joy without formalities—laughter and talking are naturally part of sharing a meal. If you find mornings hectic, carve out even just 5 or 10 minutes to relish your tea or coffee in peace. As my grandmother taught me, practicing mindfulness often begins with the simple act of caring for our meals.
WAIT
Who enjoys waiting in line? Whether at a doctor’s office, grocery store, or in traffic, impatience tends to creep in. We tap our feet and check our phones, but frustration won’t speed things up. However, waiting can become a valuable opportunity to slow down and be present. Observe your surroundings; think about your plans for the day or reflect on what you’re grateful for.
While waiting in line at the grocery store, I often remind myself how fortunate I am. As I stand with my basket full of fresh produce, I acknowledge that countless children across the world face unimaginable hardships. Rather than complain, I cherish those moments of reflection as a chance to appreciate life’s gifts.
Once you cultivate the habit of being present during these moments, waiting will no longer feel like lost time.
FOCUS ON OTHERS
As a child, visits from my mother’s friends brought excitement and joy. There was comfort in spontaneous gatherings filled with laughter, cookies, and tea. These moments fostered connections, and they’re something I deeply miss as an adult, where time together is often scheduled and limited. It’s crucial, then, to treasure moments with others, no matter how brief.
Just like a good meal, we should savor these interactions. Pay close attention to the spark in their eyes as they share their stories. Listen actively to foster true connections, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. Through this focused presence, we build meaningful relationships.
While there are many things in life we can approach with a slower mindset, these three — eating, waiting, and connecting with others — have profoundly impacted my life. Why not embrace these simple yet transformative actions? By doing them a little slower, we can uncover deeper fulfillment in our daily experiences.
Eating, waiting, and connecting with others are integral aspects of life. Why not try to slow them down a little?
