Two Words for you today, not Tuesday, not Friday, but TODAY... SLOW DOWN! If you are a regular Here We Are reader, then you know that I've written 22 #TwoWordTuesday articles. In slowing down to assess my work on HWA, it is clear that the words matter most, not the timing, so we are shedding the Tuesday limitation and keeping the #TwoWords to help you make things better, brighter, and easier on this journey called life!

These #TwoWords are similar to ones we hear in various ways in our busy lives, "one thing at a time", "take a breath", "pace yourself." Those are important guides BUT I'm talking about actually, physically slowing down... Making yourself move slower throughout the day, and of course, tackling one item only at a time.

"WHAT!? How am I going to find the time to SLOW DOWN when I have so much to do?????", you exclaim. Just hear me out on this idea. The reason you catch yourself not breathing properly, running late to the next appointment, not finishing whatever it is you are pushing to accomplish, is because we - as a society - are moving at breakneck speed to keep up with everything around us. In the internet connected world we live in, there is no "down time" to mull over things. Slowing down has to be a forced effort on your part, otherwise, you'll keep swirling while trying to hold on knowing it's an overwhelming effort; and you will always be racing the clock. Ask yourself, "Why?".

For one day, give it a try and see how it changes your life. Purposefully SLOW DOWN. Breathe, take your time, do not multi-task, pay attention, apply your energy to whatever is at hand, all while moving slower than your normal daily approach.

The resulting awareness you gain helps you prioritize and complete the important things in your life and work. It is amazing how much more enjoyable your to-do list becomes - yes, it does! - and how much more you will be able to check off at the end of the day.

This process may sound counterintuitive, but it works! The reward is that you are actually present in the moment, being fully aware (may I add "mindful"?), when you apply your attention and action to one task slowly. The details are addressed, the "i's" are dotted, and the "t's" are crossed, and you not only accomplish something, but you enjoy doing it, too.

Try slowing down. The continuous rushing is not adding to your life, is it? (I know you shouldn't end the post on a question but you totally know what I mean; and I bet your answer is "no".)

Do it today, SLOW DOWN, and let me know how it works for you. Best always, Luci

P.S. If you like these #TwoWords, feel free to share the graphic and link to this article, it may help someone else you know.