Lately I’ve been thinking about how much of my day is spent trying to get to the next thing. School runs, work, shopping, cooking, replying to messages, remembering birthdays, booking appointments… and somehow the day disappears before I’ve actually noticed it.
I had a strange moment this morning while making a cup of tea. The kitchen was quiet, the house was still, and for about two minutes I wasn’t checking my phone or thinking about what needed doing next. It made me realise how rarely I allow myself to simply exist without feeling guilty that I’m not being productive.
I know everyone says “time goes so fast,” but I’m starting to understand what they mean. The children seem taller every few weeks, my parents are getting older, and I keep telling myself that I’ll slow down once this busy period is over. The problem is that there always seems to be another busy period.
I’m not looking for miracle solutions, just wondering if anyone else has felt this and found small ways to make everyday life feel a bit more present. Is it putting the phone away for an hour? Walking without headphones? Having a proper conversation at dinner?
Would genuinely love to hear what has helped other people, because I don’t want to wake up in ten years feeling like I was always hurrying and never really there.