The Art of Embracing Life’s Unhurried Beauty
Speed Demons Anonymous
From the moment we can walk, we’re thrust onto the fast track of life. We’re taught from a young age that faster is better, it’s more efficient…that fine art of multitasking like an octopus on caffeine. You know what it’s like. Most of us are retired, and we do have the ability to enjoy the luxury of time. However, how many of us brush our teeth while tidying the bathroom or eat our breakfast while stacking the dishwasher? Society’s mantra seems to be: “Faster, faster, faster!” Consequently, as we move through our days in a blur of ‘things to do, people to see, places to go’, we often overlook the simple beauty of just living. It’s like being out in the rain and not jumping in the puddle—what’s the point?
Luxury of time in the Slow Lane
Picture this: you’re eating a meal and actually tasting it. Amazing, right? When we learn to slow down and embrace life’s unhurried beauty, we consequently start to see the magic in the mundane. Suddenly, mealtimes are less about shoveling food in your face and more like meditative celebrations of nourishment. Whether it’s a gourmet feast or a humble PB&J sandwich, which in my opinion is a satisfying and forgotten staple at our age. 😉 The simple act of eating becomes a delightful ritual.
Savour each moment
We think that having the luxury of time means having nothing to do. That is not always the case. It can be about savouring life’s moments, one at a time. Imagine actually enjoying the job you are doing…like changing your sheets, I know….it IS a stretch. But think about it…the smell of the fresh sheets, smoothing out any wrinkles, perfectly tucked in and then you add the icing. The beautiful blankets and duvet. The pillows all lined up perfectly. When you stand back to admire it you see that it is truly beautiful. You’re fully engaged in the task at hand. Each accomplishment, no matter how small, becomes a source of profound pleasure. The best part? You’ve given yourself the gift of time—time to explore, think, connect, and just be. You might remember this bed in all its glory in my post HERE. Is there such thing as too many pillows?
Slowness: Your New Secret Superpower
Believe it or not, slowness can be your secret weapon, even in the busiest situations. Taking a moment to slow down allows you to gather your thoughts before diving into ‘urgent’ matters. It’s like hitting the pause button on a scary scene in a movie—you get to catch your breath and figure out your next move.
The Richness of Simplifying
Embracing simplicity means decluttering your schedule of non-essentials. Yes, your calendar might look emptier, but guess what? That empty space is full of rich potential. You’ll find that as you slow down, you fill your time in more meaningful ways. Morning rituals become something to look forward to, not just steps in a routine. Time with loved ones is savoured, not squeezed in. Your work, whatever that is to you, becomes a passionate endeavor, not a race against the clock. And you get to nurture yourself daily, because hey, you’ve earned it.
Breaking Up with Speed
We know, it’s tough to break up with the high-speed habits, especially in a world obsessed with instant gratification. We’re addicted to the buzz of cell phones, the ping of emails, and the thrill of ticking off tasks on our overflowing to—do lists. But here’s the kicker: once you embrace the slowness, that fleeting sense of accomplishment is replaced by a deeper sense of gratification. Your new relaxed pace opens up a world of awareness, letting you truly appreciate just being in the moment. Do you remember Niksen? Read it HERE. The Dutch people definitely have it all figured out don’t they?
Take time to enjoy your surroundings while golfing. My husband golfs….a LOT! 😂 He gets in the cart and his game is so fast paced. Sometimes it seems the faster he goes the better he likes it. He and his brother once golfed 18 holes in 2.5 hours! They were clearly not savouring life’s moments! 😆
The other day while I was driving to Pilates…I was pressed for time and got stopped at a red light. Honestly….a small part of me wondered if I’d get away with running it. Of course I knew better and did not. As I sat there knowing it was completely out of my control I found a great song on the radio, and sat back and just enjoyed it. We need to appreciate the journey and savour our moments.
I love to go hiking with my ‘cousin in law’ Sherri. Sherri is the master of slowing down. She came up with the title of this blog, The Luxury of time. When I hike with her, my son Andrew will ask how long the hike is. If I say two hours, he asks if that is the actual time or if it is Sherri time. A two-hour hike with Sherri can, in fact, last oh so much longer. 😉 She has taught me to pause and look up, to see the sun peeking through the canopy of trees. Additionally, she encourages me to stop and observe the growth on fallen logs, revealing the hidden wonders of the forest. Read the Benefits of Forest Bathing HERE. It’s a thing!!
Even Tank likes to slow it down with a cool dip in the river.
Conclusion: Welcome to the Slower Side of Life and The Luxury of Time.
So, take a deep breath, and therefore, slow your life down a notch. Notice the colours in the sunset, the flavour of your food, the sound of laughter with your grandchildren. Life’s not a race; savour it as an art. Embrace the luxury of time, and discover the extraordinary beauty in the everyday. The fast track may get you to the finish line, but the slow lane lets you enjoy the journey.
These photos are all a blast from the past. I love how I was able to incorporate them into my blog this week.
Happy Canada Day everyone. 🇨🇦
![](https://savvysnowbirds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sig.png)
18 Comments
Diane Regan
June 30, 2024 at 7:16 AMLove this one!! You are so right about slowing down and actually enjoying this beautiful life we have.
Marion
June 30, 2024 at 9:10 AMYou’re right Di! It is a beautiful life and the only one we have. If we screw this up…then what? 🤷♀️
Thanks for reading and stopping in to comment. Have a beautiful day 😊
Meg
June 30, 2024 at 7:29 AMI shared this post with my husband. We just had this conversation the other day about his driving! He is a monster on the road. Always in a hurry and cursing the red lights AND any cars that get in his way. It isn’t a pleasant drive at all.
This blog is perfect and a reminder to all of us that life is precious and we only have one so we better slow down and as you said ‘enjoy the journey’.
Thanks Savvy.
Marion
June 30, 2024 at 9:17 AMGood morning Meg. Oh dear!! I feel your pain. Steve gets hurried too! 😂 What is it with men?!
I hope you have a great day wherever you are Meg. It is stunning here in our city today. The sun is shining and we have a beautiful breeze blowing in our windows. I am going out to sit on my balcony with a coffee to soak it all 🥰
Xo
Susan
June 30, 2024 at 7:32 AMI love this Marion. We all need to slow down in life. The entire world seems to be in a hurry.
Can I just say that first photo of the little one jumping in a puddle should be a poster. It is adorable!
All the photos are beautiful. They did fit into your post perfectly.
Marion
June 30, 2024 at 9:21 AMThanks Susan. That puddle jumper is my oldest granddaughter Savannah. I love it too and have it framed in my home. 💕
…and I agree…the whole world needs to slow the heck down!
Enjoy this beautiful day Susan.
Fran
June 30, 2024 at 9:05 AMI am literally sitting outside at a cafe reading this blog. I love to sit and watch people. I am watching now to see who is in a hurry and who is not. You can tell the difference! I am going to make a point to continue this relaxed feeling I am having right now into the rest of my day.
I love seeing your blog in my inbox on Sunday mornings.
Marion
June 30, 2024 at 9:22 AMSteve and I are people watchers too. 😆 interesting to watch who is in a hurry and who is not! I will try that the next time Im out watching the world go by.
I am so happy that you love seeing my blog. I wish I could do more 😊
Have a great day and thanks for stopping in.
Val Cater
June 30, 2024 at 9:13 AMLovely Mare❤️
Marion
June 30, 2024 at 10:18 AMThank you Val 💕
Linda
June 30, 2024 at 10:22 AMGreat reminder Marion. When I was officially working, I measured my days with how much I got done. When I retired, I measured my days by how much I didn’t get done. Slowing down taught me how to breathe and sleep and giggle more. Happy Canada Day !!!!
Marion
June 30, 2024 at 3:41 PMA good giggle is so important. I feel we have shared a few 😉 …us and our silly pups! 💕 🐕
Have a super wonderful weekend. Xo 😘
Leslie
June 30, 2024 at 10:45 AMSiping coffee looking out at the canopy of trees here in Highlands… such a lovely read. Thanks for the reminder xo
Marion
June 30, 2024 at 3:40 PMOhhhhh….sounds beautiful!!! 😍
I am so happy to hear that you are enjoying your treehouse!!
Love and miss you toots 😉
Marion
June 30, 2024 at 11:32 AMI love this . I’m finding myself painting and playing with my watercolours almost daily now..it slows me down..appreciating the way the water flows and the colours change..like us. Thx for the reminder.
Marion
June 30, 2024 at 3:38 PMI love that Marion. I hope to try that this summer. Your description is beautiful 💕 appreciating the way the water flows and the colours change..like us 💕
I might have to come and get a lesson from you 😉
Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦
Mary Lynn
July 1, 2024 at 9:04 AMTime moves way too fast and as you get older even faster ❤️
Marion
July 2, 2024 at 12:15 PMI am noticing that ML!!
Have a super week ahead!! 💕