Slowing Down Creates an Opportunity

Summary

The website content reflects on the personal growth opportunities presented by the slowdown due to social distancing, emphasizing the importance of self-care and introspection.

Abstract

The article titled "Slowing Down Creates an Opportunity" offers a personal perspective on the positive aspects of life during a period of enforced social distancing and routine disruption. The author acknowledges the collective experience of this slowdown, noting that it has allowed many, including themselves, to engage in creative pursuits, self-improvement, and increased communication with loved ones. The author admits to confronting personal shortcomings and unaddressed fears due to reduced distractions, recognizing the need for self-compassion and the readiness to tackle inner challenges. They suggest that this period of stillness is an invitation from a higher power to grow in unexpected ways. The article concludes by reassuring readers of their resilience and the support available from their community, while acknowledging the difficulty of adapting to sudden change.

Opinions

The author believes that the disruption of daily life has provided a chance to explore new creative outlets and focus on self-care.
They express that the slower pace has revealed personal flaws and areas for improvement that were previously ignored due to busyness.
The author feels that this time of social distancing is a divine opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.
They point out that life's unpredictable changes can be harsh, but they also offer chances for positive transformation.
The author is of the opinion that while the slowdown may be challenging for many, it could also be beneficial, especially for those accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle.
They encourage readers to embrace the support of their loved ones during difficult times, emphasizing that no one is alone in their struggles.
The author is open to hearing about others' experiences with the slowdown, suggesting a community approach to navigating these unprecedented times.

Slowing Down Creates an Opportunity

You are not alone

During this time of social distancing and disruption of my life, I have a great opportunity to practice a lot of self-care.

Like so many, the disruption of my routines has created an opening to explore creative avenues. Since being at home I have been writing, exercising, and spending lots of time speaking with friends and family. The crisis has opened doors to opportunities that didn’t seem available to me before. They were available, but I was not aware of them. I was too busy.

Slowing down has enabled me to see parts of my personal life that I need to work on. This has been painful. It is painful to see the parts of me that are still selfish and full of fear. It is not easy to admit the faults that I still have. It is difficult to admit that I still have lots of things in my personal world that need attending to.

These things that need addressing have always been there. But I was covering up the feelings with busyness. I was moving so fast I didn’t realize what needed to be addressed. Now that I am moving slower, I see them very clearly.

This is the moment that I need to invite compassion into my heart. My heart is big enough to allow it in. All the work that I have done on myself over the years has made me ready to endure and in fact thrive in this new environment. I am ready to handle whatever my soul is inviting me to resolve.

I see the time of social distancing as my God inviting me to grow in ways I didn’t think I could.

Isn’t this the way it always goes? Our life is humming along, and then we are jolted into a new reality without any warning. Some human beings experience that through a sudden car accident, a tragic loss of a spouse or child, a natural disaster wiping out their home, or a sudden job loss.

Life does not tell us what is about to happen. The change can be sudden, and it can alter our very lives forever.

Here is the message I want to convey to you today.

The message is that you can handle whatever life throws at you.

You can handle it with the support of those that love and care about you. You are not alone in your struggles.

Lots of deep breaths probably at this point for many of us. This is because we are not accustomed to dealing with massive change all at once. We get used to things being a certain way, and then they change.

I believe that this slow down is going to be difficult for a lot of people. I also believe that it’s going to help a lot of people. Those of us who are accustomed to moving fast could find this change to be the best thing that ever happened to them.

Slowing down has been good for me. I wonder how it is affecting you. Is this a difficult time for you, or are you enjoying the change? I would love to hear from you.