Do You Need to Slow Down?

The Low Down on Slowing Down

For months now I’ve been caught up in the gotta do-more, be-more, give-more cycle, and I’ve created my own well of resentment in not giving enough to myself.

I bet you can relate.

Over Christmas I felt suffocated. I just wanted a breather, a break, a moment to myself to process a mountain of emotions – away from running my business, planning events, and being switched on for others all the time.

Time away from feeling like I had to post on social media, write blogs, articles and newsletters at certain times and days – all the time.

And aside from trying to be a loving, supportive and appreciative partner, and present, patient and loving step-mum…. but feeling like I was failing and letting my precious family down by not being able to give them my best, and feeling selfish at needing this space for myself, ultimately to give them more.

We lost 3 family members and a wellness colleague within 4 months over Christmas and new year, and most recently a young local man in tragic circumstances, who was a beautiful human being.

Death and loss was beginning to be a theme. But I had so much to do, and time was running out to get it all done! I couldn’t fall behind or I’d feel too overwhelmed.

Well, feeling overwhelmed is nothing to feeling totally spent.

Last week was the slowest, most conscious and restful week I’ve had in the last six months, maybe more.

The house was quiet and peaceful and just what I had been craving – quiet time with myself (Honey was in Perth for work, and it was the kids week with their birth mother).

I was totally exhausted and spent after hosting my Women’s Wellness Event and every part of me was screaming – SLOW DOWN! (Check out the Facebook Pictures of the event here)

Up until that point, I had ignored my body’s cries. I had to keep going and get everything done. If I didn’t do it, then who else would?

It’s a cycle in life where we give, we take, we have things and people taken from us, and we don’t always address our feelings in those moments because the world demands other things from us – and sometimes we demand them from ourselves.

My body kept up and helped me present a powerful and inspiring day for the women who were counting on me to deliver.

But as soon as it was all over and the last person left the building, my attention went inward and I began listening intently.

I needed to slow down, perhaps even stop. It was the least I could do after demanding so much of myself.

Here’s how I slowed down:

  • I slept in and ignored the time
  • I laid on the grass, bathed in the sun and breathed in the fresh air
  • I made and ate simple salads one mouthful at a time, really tasting each bite
  • I listened to my favourite feel-good music that I hadn’t played in a long time
  • I listened to nature and enjoyed its’ beauty
  • I sat in silence and breathed in the sun
  • I took my time responding to emails and messages
  • I didn’t felt the need to rush or extend myself…

And I didn’t feel bad, sorry or apologetic for any of it.

Because, in reality, I need me too, more than anybody else. My heart space needed me and I needed more time in it.

So last week I took the opportunity to be with myself, slow down and attend to my own needs – without feeling guilty or selfish.

And this week I have more focus, more creativity, more joy and appreciation for all the wonderful blessings that I have.

  • My mindset has shifted and my thoughts are more positive
  • I’m eating real food and feeling more energy
  • My body is relaxed and my stress levels are low
  • I am feeling grateful that I have allowed this time for myself

 

Mostly especially I am grateful for my health, and I am reminded that without it I could not do or have all the wonderful, inspiring and life-changing experiences and opportunities that come into my life.

Slowing down is a gift of awareness, gratitude and fulfilment.

Just remember, we all have our own journey, appearances aren’t always accurate from the outside.

We’re all human. We all have needs. And we all need different things.

I’m actively striving to be more conscious and respectful of mine, but it takes effort, repetition and time, which is ultimately all so worth it.

So, do you need to Slow Down this weekend?

How can you slow down to ‪#‎stop ‪#‎listen and ‪#‎loveyourself ?

Comment what slowing down means to you and how you’re going to give this gift to yourself below…

Love Viki  xo

 

About Viki

Viki Thondley, The MindBodyFood Coach

Viki Thondley is a Mind-Body Wellness Specialist and qualified Holistic Counsellor, Food, Stress & Lifestyle Coach, Meditation Therapist, and Eating Disorder Recovery Coach who inspires women to shift from dieting and restriction to whole-self nourishment, self-care and healing. Recovered from bulimia nervosa and the many years of hormonal imbalances, food prison and self-sabotaging behaviours’, Viki is an inspiring coach, speaker and event host who also provides personalised holistic programs, workshops and retreats to instil self-love, happiness, body confidence and real food freedom. She is author of “Achieving Your Wellness: Create a Life You Love” and “Healthy Chocolate Delights: Real Food Sweet Treats”.