IT’S OKAY TO TAKE IT SLOWLY, ONE DAY AT A TIME

Imagine yourself at the edge of a forest, deciding whether to enter its unhurried embrace or to turn back and seek another, more hurried, and familiar path. At first, you have a strong desire to return. But then you decide to take another look in the direction of the forest. As you gaze into the shadowy depths of the trees, you become aware of bright lights flickering in the distance. You are drawn to their enticing glow, and your curiosity is awakened.

You take a deep breath and proceed. You're not rushing as you walk through the woods' dappled shadows. The sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling fills your ears, soothing your mind as you concentrate on each step. With each step, your surroundings become brighter and more dazzling, until you emerge into an open clearing illuminated by thousands of twinkling stars.

You can't help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement wash over you as you gaze at this magical display before you. For here, in the midst of nature's beauty and stillness, time appears to stand still. And now, after all this time, you realize that slowness can be a beautiful thing, and you're ready to embrace it.

When we are trying to make a decision in life, we may experience a rush of anxiety and pressure. We may become engrossed in the fast-paced world around us, believing that we must always be moving and doing. However, whenever we are faced with a difficult decision, we are still free to pause and ask ourselves:

Which path will allow me to be a little less rushed?

Which option will allow me to create more breathing room?

Which path will lead me to moments of peace and quiet?

The slow and steady path may not always appear to be the most exciting option. The slower, more restful path may not result in others saying "wow" about what we are doing. However, perhaps it is still worthwhile considering the option that allows us more breathing room, and perhaps we will find more room for peace and calm along the way.

Making major decisions is never easy, and these questions are not intended to solve every problem. However, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, taking a step back and slowing down might be beneficial. Perhaps you will discover: at the edge of the forest of that slower path:

"By making the decision to take a few months off from working on that project...it will allow me to rest more."

"By removing the pressure on myself to pursue new relationships right now, I can give myself some time to get to know myself again."

"By not rushing into the next thing, I can take the time to learn from others and gain new perspectives."

Of course, there are times in life when the decisions we make are more pressing and may require additional support and help. And this is also true: there are many other times when we find ourselves at the start of a winding path and must learn that it is okay to take the slow path, even when we feel compelled to take the more familiar, fast-paced route. For it is down those slower paths, we will discover they are beautiful and fulfilling in their very own way.

More in this week's series called "A New Perspective", only with a subscription in the Storyteller App.

Sincerely,
Morgan Harper Nichols