What’s the hurry?
Is the whole world in a hurry? Try standing on a bustling city street and you may be swept away like a piece of driftwood. Or driving the speed limit on a country road. I’ve pulled off to the shoulder to allow a truck on my bumper to pass. Let him get the ticket, I’ve told myself. He will only have himself to blame when the driver safety solution that is installed into his truck (check out places like Lytx for additional info) reprimands him for driving dangerously and tells him to change his actions so he doesn’t cause a collision. I don’t really want people like that driving behind me anyway, I’d rather them be in front when I can clearly see them. Plus, I want to see the scenery! Wasn’t that my motivation for driving this route instead of the freeway?
Can you think of anyone who doesn’t hurry? Even the Amish. One evening in Lancaster County, PA, I watched an Old Order Amish farmer harvest his corn late into the night. Why the rush? Hurricane Sandy had been predicted and did arrive 24 hours later.
Amish Farmer in Lancaster County, PA.
I dislike being late, causing me to rush around getting ready to leave the house. How is it that my punctual husband can shower, get dressed, and be out the door in ten minutes? We’ve laughed that even when we leave late we arrive on time. What we call chronically punctual, for laughs. However, some people are habitually late. That would stress me no end.
Hard to hurry when Paddle Boarding.
It feels so good to relax after a hectic day, but when I try to shut off my brain my mind often spins as I recall the projects I left undone or phone calls I’d forgotten to make. My must-do list continues to grow. Causing more anxiety, which can’t be good for my health.
Botanical Gardens: Where do you go to relax?
Have you developed a method to slow down, but still get things done? To counteract the stress caused by hurrying but never catching up?
Amish-made Tea Towel & Spice Potholder
Leave a comment to enter to win this Amish-made tea towel and Potholder, from Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed copy of one book from my Amish series the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy! USA and Canada. Winner has 3 days to respond.
I try to prioritize. If I have an extraordinary amount of things needing done I make a list. Crossing things off that list always feels good!
Great idea, Tracie! I tend to combine lists … not such a good idea. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I sit down in my favorite chair, say a prayer, take deep breaths & tell myself nothing is so important that I need to rush or make myself upset. Of course, I still leave a set of clothing out each night in case one of my children need me to rush out in the middle of the night (this has never happened) – it’s a habit. I tell myself it’s a good thing to be prepared. <3
What a terrific way to center and calm your anxious thoughts, Nancy! If you leave out a set of clothing I’d say you’re incredibly prepared for anything! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
As I get older,I realize that life is too short to speed through. I simplyfied my life & enjoy my life.
Yes, simplifying my life would make everything more enjoyable, Barb! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Right now in my life, I have not figured that out yet. I have younger children that have activities, so I am always on the go.
When you’re looking after young children, with their many activities, I imagine you are very busy, Angie! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Savor each and every moment of every day!
Even if you’re in a hurry, there’s still moments that can be reflected upon.
I will have to remind myself to take your excellent advice, Cathy! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
A busy person is a successful person.
I like your attitude, Kathy! Sometimes my business gets away from me and turns into needless stress. Thanks for leaving a comment and I wish you good luck in the giveaway!
I use to be on the go all the time then I became disabled. Now I am pretty much homebound and can’t do much at one time. I spend most of my time in a hospital bed now. It was a big adjustment and even now after 20 years at times I have trouble dealing with it. Slow down and enjoy the things around you and that you can get out to enjoy them for you don’t know what the future holds.
Jenny, you are so right. None of us know what the future holds. Bless you in dealing with your situation. Being homebound must be very difficult. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Time flies quickly. Sometimes a slower pace is refreshing.
A slower pace would be refreshing, Susan! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Before I even get out of bed each morning, 1 try to thank God for all our blessings and then to make a mental note of any really important things on the agenda for that day. Our days pass by so quickly and I don’t like to think that life is just passing by without my even enjoying it and helping others to enjoy it too.
I shall try your method, Sharrie! The perfect way to start the day. I don’t like to think that life is just passing by either. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Soon to have a slower pace as I will retire at the end of the month and lots of time for reading.
Congratulations on your retirement, Julia! May you have many hours of delightful reading. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
just take time for yourself stop even for a moment at a quite place take a deep breathe and try to listen to the quietness . things may go slower and easier after that . Have a good day
Thanks for writing, Brenda! I’ve heard several times recently that it’s important to get up from your computer and walk around for a few minutes. The perfect time to breathe deeply and listen to the quietness. I appreciate your comment!
Kate
Always enjoy the moment in this fast pace world. It seems as we get older the faster it gets. Stop and smell the roses.
This fast paced world does seem to be gaining momentum as I age, Alisa! I do enjoy smelling roses, not that mine are blooming yet. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Sometimes I have to hurry up, but it sure is really nice to S L O W down when I can. I keep thinking retirement sounds good and will help that a lot. Or maybe not???
Retirement sounds fabulous for a person who has interests, hobbies, or finds ways to help others, Sonya! And has fellowship. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I remember always being in a hurry years ago when I was a young adult. I seemed to get a lot done, but never really experienced life to the fullest. Through the years I’ve God has forced me to slow down; to “stop and smell the roses” so to speak, to enjoy God’s creation wherever I go. There is always something to praise God for. Even the rocks will cry out if we don’t.
Yes, I agree Dana! There is always something to be grateful for. Praise the Lord for that! Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
We moved to Tennessee for the Northeast for that very reason. It is a slower pace here and the beauty of the mountains makes you stop and thank God.
Kate
Your slower pace and opportunities to admire the beauty God’s creations sounds marvelous, Rachel! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
That should have been ‘from the Northeast’.
I was born in the Northeast, Rachel! You’d think my neighborhood would be quiet, but I’m on a bus route and have cars and trucks constantly rumbling by, not to mention the many jets overhead. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love a slower paced life! The world is in such a hurry all the time. We need sometime to just sit and relax and enjoy life.
I agree with you, Alicia! We should not feel guilty for just sitting, relaxing, and enjoying life. Thanks for visiting my blog and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love my down even if it is only a few minutes at a time. Reading and crafts are more important than stress and worry.
Reading and doing crafts are indeed remedies for stress, Connie! Both are excellent ideas. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Slow down and enjoy. Read a book.
I won’t argue with you, Fern! Especially the part about reading a book, my favorite way to end every day. Reading really does switch my brain to a more peaceful gear and helps me sleep better, as long as is nothing scary. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have learned to slow down and take one day at a time . . . and sit down and take lots of breaks to read my Amish books!
I love your idea of sitting down and taking lots of breaks to read Amish books, Joan! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try to remember that every breath, every moment are God’s gifts to me. Nothing happens in His time by accident. Example: yesterday, I was held up in traffic when going to work. I called in & the patient I was scheduled to see was running late also. It all worked out. Thank you Lord, a little less stress there!
I love it when things like that happen, Karen! What did we do before cell phones? How nice of your patient to call in. All things do work together for good. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have found that simplifying my life makes me happier. It isn’t easy, but I find I have more time for more meaningful things such as baking, reading and learning.
Good for you for simplifying your life, Diane! Not an easy task, but well worth it. Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Life passes by fast enough people need to take a lesson from the Amish and slow down and smell the flowers
The Amish are a good example for us, Cathy! Although, at times they hurry too. But they take the day of rest seriously. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
When my 5 children were all small we were always late. Now that they have grown up some and can help do things for themselves we are usually always on time, but of course we still have times of rushing to get places. Beyond that, our life is just very busy with school, homework, church and other activities. Would love for things to slow down!
How wonderful that you have five children, Tiffany! Hectic as it may have been, what a blessing. Life will eventually slow down as they leave the nest and you will probably miss all that activity. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
To avoid morning rush, I lay out what I’m going to wear the next day, including shoes and jewelry. I also prepare a breakfast casserole for the family the night before to just throw in the oven. Purse, keys and anything else I need for that day is placed on a table near the door to grab as I go out to face the day.
You are amazing, Gail! Deciding what to wear is often what slows me down when trying to leave the house. And your breakfast casserole sounds brilliant. Makes me hungry just thinking about it. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
slow down .. You can’t get back time lost. I would rather say I’m so glad I did something than to say I’m sorry I didn’t do something .. Enjoy every moment because you can’t get them back
Thank you for your words of wisdom, Sandi! I will try to enjoy every moment for the rest of the day. (one day the time) Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
The time on my alarm clock is always 30 minutes ahead and my alarm is set to go off ealier. I work 2 jobs and sleep about 3 and half hours a night. This system works for me. I love visiting the Amish Country and the slower pace.
Karen, how do you survive on 3 1/2 hours of sleep? I’m glad this system is working for you but wonder if you’ll have to make adjustments in the long run, especially if you enjoy the slower pace in Amish Country. Thank you for entering the giveaway, you busy gal!
Kate
I clear my head and prioritize with my calender at hand. I make lists and lay out a clear picture of what must be done and when. I have a note in several places that states “just say NO!”
You’ve got a good system, Karen! Sometimes I’m taken by surprise when I open my calendar. But so far I’ve managed to avoid missing any appointments, etc. Your note says it all; we don’t have to say “Yes!” to everything! Thanks for your terrific comment!
Kate
I have raised my 3 kids and they are all out of the house so I thought I would get to relax and slow down but oh no it gets even busier and it seems like the days just run together, I do watch my 1 yr old granddaughter and a couple teachers kids so now I try to at least sit down during nap with a cup of coffee just to breathe lol
I’m glad you get some time to sit down relaxwith a cup of coffee, Bobbie! Busy lady, looking after your one-year-old granddaughter and a couple of other kids too. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
i simplified what it takes to get ready in the mornings. Easy hairstyle and makeup and believe it or not, I brush my teeth in the shower. No worries about toothpaste all over. I plan my wardrobe for the week on Sunday night and hang them in order. I also have a simple breakfast, yogurt, toast or granola bars, fruit. If I’m not rushed in the morning the rest of the day seems to go smoother.
I’m so impressed that you plan your wardrobe for the whole week and hang them in order, Joelle! I have an easy care hairstyle and wear little makeup (I do spend a lot of time on my teeth), but it takes me forever to figure out what to wear even though I don’t have that many clothes. You are right: if I’m not rushed in the morning the rest of the day goes smoother. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate , I know you rush & rush . I think I have to just get something done right away . Try and sit down some everyday and think of something good . My hubby tells me that I worry to much … Try not to do that . Do what you can and the other will wait . I love your Amish tea towel and potholder . I also love your books and woukd love to win your gifts . Thank you for the chance .
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for writing, Liz! It does seem women worry more than men. Or maybe they hide it in subtle ways. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Recently I asked for a zero gravity chair which I love. I allow myself a few minutes each day to sit outside while my mini dachshund plays and I sit back in that comfortable chair and read while the birds sing all around me.
A picture of serenity, Janet! I want one of those chairs … and to allow myself more time to relax. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Always get it on your brain what needs to be done and take one task at a time in a timely fashion and you will get done what needs done. But always stop and smell the roses!
One task at a time, indeed, Michele! Sometimes I find myself distracted, and not smelling the roses enough. thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I haven’t figured out how to avoid all the rushing. Between work, husband, and kids, it seems there’s always something to do!
You’re not alone, Donna! You have a lot on your plate. Sending you my best wishes for some well-deserved R & R. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I always get up extra early, to be able to do what I have to do feeling relaxed and not too rushed!!
Excellent, Debra! I’m an early bird too and I think it helps. But then I must also force myself into bed early, to read. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love watching the sunrise. I also love reading your books. You have a God given talent when it comes to writing.
I love watching the sun rise too, June! Although it’s getting earlier and earlier, easy to miss. Thank you for your kind words about my writing. Without His help I’d be nowhere. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m a chronic procrastinator, so you can imagine how rushed and stressed I get sometimes. I do try to start each day by giving thanks to God because I believe that, no matter what I have to do on a given day, if I put Him first the rest of the day will pace itself.
In my opinion, people today are running to and fro – thinking their kids have to be involved in everything under the sun – and by doing so are actually missing out on spending real quality time with those kids, having one-on-one time with each other.
Every time I read something about Amish people, I realize we could learn many lessons from them.
I agree with you Linda in several ways! Yes, having our children signed up for every possible activity takes away from family time and close relationships. There is a lot to be said for sitting around the fire in the evening playing board games together. The Amish are certainly not perfect, but they have been an inspiration to me. Thanks for entering the giveaway! Hey, you didn’t procrastinate past the closing of this contest! Good luck!
Kate
I like to sit on my deck in the evenings and read an Amish book. It is so relaxing, listening to the birds and just be calm.
What a lovely picture you’ve painted, Linda! When our weather shapes up, I might try emulating you. I read every evening and love listening to the birds. Very calming. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I think we need to write down the things we need to get done,then put beside it what is important and what can wait.Do the most important first and go from there,believe me if it all doesn’t get done it will still be there tomorrow.Slow down and enjoy life.
So true, Jackie! Setting our priorities and leaving the less important for a later time is the only way I can deal with demands and stresses. Slow down and enjoy life is a great motto! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate. I think people are too busy now days. Seems they don’t even take time to relax and enjoy what the Lord has made. Too many people don’t have any family time anymore. I enjoyed that people used to have family time. That is very important. Some of my best memories. And, Christmas time is the worst. People are so busy buying, buying, buying they take the joy out of the holiday. It should be a time of enjoying visiting with family and friends and remembering what the meaning of Christmas is. I hear too many say how glad they are that Christmas is over because they are tired of the frinzzy. Too many kids get where they don’t even really appreciate what they get, because they are use to getting everything they want. Time spent with family is more important. I am glad for the days when I was growing up. Thanks for the giveaway. Would love to win. By the way, when can we expect another book from you? GOD bless. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Hi Maxie! I agree with everything you wrote. I couldn’t have said it better. Bottom line: family time is extremely important. God bless you and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Early morning is the best time if the day !! This is one way to look at it , then have to get organized to be productive.
I’m an early bird too, Barbara! Even if bleary-eyed, I get my best writing accomplished in the morning. Then I tackle the rest of the day. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I live by the rule that I’m not late, everyone else is just early. If I over slept that that meant my body needed it. If I don’t get everything on my “to do” list done I look back and see what happened. Did I spend extra time playing hide-n-go seek with the kids? Did I take some time to talk with my husband and catch up on life with him? When it’s these types of things I don’t feel badly. Now if the answer is I spend too much time scrolling through the feed on Facebook then I allow myself to be angry with myself. As long as I keep my priorities in check I’m okay with sleeping in and not always getting my to do list checked off.
It sounds as though you have your priorities in check, Alaina! Spending quality time chatting with your husband makes for a sound marriage, the foundation of your family. Also, catching up on sleep is very important. Many are sleep deprived and it’s bad for their health. Love my sleep so I go to bed early … after reading. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would have to say “Yes, the world is in a hurry”…….Slow down, life’s too short. Thank you Kate for your wonderful blog.
The world does seem to be in a hurry, Myrtle! I agree: life is too short. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate…my husband and I sold our house and downsized which helped to slow us down. I am also an organizer making list so that I can do what needs doing then sit and relax. I like your pictures and the botanical gardens and paddle boarding look so calming and refreshing. I myself would think the buggy ride relaxing too….I have a sister just the opposite of me and she puts everything off till the last minute then rushes and stresses out. No procrastinating for me….
I could use your help organizing, Judy! You should see my desk right now … No, never mind. I would also take the buggy ride to relax over paddle boarding, where I might end up in the lake. But I have a girlfriend who loves it. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
I am like your hubby in that I can get a shower and dress within 10 minutes. As a former PA. Constable I would get called out at anytime and the time of my running for city council I would want to be sure I looked good just in case we would be transporting a media worthy criminal. Lol.
But as for today, I get critized for obeying the local speed limits. I say “what’s the hurry “?
Sounds as though you’ve led an exciting life, Regina! I’m so impressed you can shower and dress in 10 minutes. I think people get irritated with me when I follow the speed limit, too. Not that I’m perfect by any means. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
When I retired almost four years ago, I thought things would slow down. No it didn’t! It seems like we are busier now. Taking care of grandkids, going to their concerts, recitals, rock shows, school plays and games. I don’t know how we did it before we retired. We do manage to arrive on time now. Thanks for the chance to win and have a blessed day.
Wow, what a busy schedule, Deborah! But spending time with your grandkids sounds wonderful. Thank you for entering the giveaway. I hope you have a blessed day too!
Take each day at a time and enjoy today. Yesterday is over and tomorrow isn’t here yet so ENJOY today
Wise words, Betty! My day is drawing to a close and I’m still enjoying it … although I admit I’m fretting a little bit about tomorrow. My remedy for that? A good book to read. Thanks for entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
I’m always early and my sister is always late. If we are going someplace in separate cars why do we always arrive at the same time?
Isn’t it interesting how different different siblings can be, Janet? Quite a mystery that you both arrive at the same time. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good Luck!