The Power of Slowing the Hell Down

I’m realizing how much I love slowing down.

Last week I was rushing around to appointments, (me having to do a naked full body check at the dermatologist...pass!), work, fitness classes, and seeing friends…every hour full and spoken for. I had my One Year Blog Anniversary party last weekend—which was so fun, but hosting takes a lot of energy!

My body was on constant overdrive, not to mention my job is emotionally taxing at times. Sometimes it feels like Boston culture is all about the hustle and ability to do a million things everyday. I was exhausted and running on fumes by Friday. Seriously. Crying my eyes out while driving down I-88 (sorry to anyone sharing the road!) I don’t even know why. I was so overwhelmed.

Maybe it was because I hadn’t spent a single night home all week, or maybe it was the feeling of not having taken one full breath in days.

I ventured home to upstate NY for the long weekend and upon arriving on my sunshine filled deck with my Mom, I let out the biggest breath—that I didn't even know I was holding. It felt like I could finally relax again after weeks of going nonstop.

The weekend was simple, perfect, and exactly what I needed:

A hike that turned into three miles of pricker-filled woods and laughter.

Dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant.

Reading a ridiculous smut book next to my parents while they watched their boring CIA show.

My puppy, Nemo, barreling into my room at 7 a.m. to wake me up.

Selling half my closet on Poshmark since I don’t wear of the items anymore.

A night at my cousin’s house debriefing the wedding and laughing until my stomach hurt.

I didn’t want anything else. No late-night drinks, no hangovers, no social obligations. Just rest. I said no—and it was such a relief to mean it.

My mom recently said to me “what is the need to have time alone teaching you?”

Hmm…maybe it’s the fact that I need more space than I admit. That every moment doesn’t have to be scheduled! I love to be busy--but sometimes I don't realize the rejuvenating that exists in mundane moments. That slowing down doesn’t mean isolating, and these moments of rest are important—especially before the chaos of ski season ensues. Recharging for the next season of busy!

So, here’s your reminder to take that rest. As silly as it sounds, you have to recharge without guilt of disappointing others, FOMO, or feeling lonely. Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what you need to be ready for everything else.

XO,

Charty