These two concepts have taken on an entirely new meaning for me in “retirement” —which has been incredibly busy. Life really hasn’t slowed down, but I personally am learning to slow down. Learning being the key word here.

As a public school teacher for 25 years, we were always on a schedule- a daily time schedule, a curriculum schedule, a testing schedule, etc., and I worked at a fast pace to fit it all in. But I learned over time to emphasize what was truly important and to eliminate the rest. “Let it go”, as the song says!

In these new retirement years, many life events have taken over my time. The days are busy in completely new ways and I am soaking in every moment, from sleepless nights rocking a baby to learning how to use Instagram (SUCH a challenge for me) to being part of a writing group and learning so many challenging processes! I know as a daughter, wife, friend, and “Nana” that this time is fleeting; I want no regrets later about how this time was spent.

That’s the best advice us Nanas can give you young Mamas. Be slow and intentional when you can. You may have to eliminate some unneccary things to make this happen. You can figure out what it is in your life that you can let go of. Maybe let your nails go for a year or so, don’t decorate seasonally and just enjoy what’s already in place, grocery shop at just one place and make it work, or limit your screen time, whatever works for you.

I heard this from a mom this week, “I decided to slow down during bath time and just talk to my daughter as I poured the water over her head. I didn’t rush….I just let conversation happen. And you know what? It didn’t take any longer! Slowing down just made it calmer, but didn’t actually take more time!”

When we intentionally slow down and LIVE IN THE MOMENT, we may find that there is actually more time. One way to slow down with your kids each evening can be with a sweet little story at bedtime. Being intentional with creating this slow time, reading with our “littles”, is something we won’t regret. I’m learning that “booking time with our kids” can be intentional and help us slow down to enjoy our simple blessings.

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