Pace Yourself: Choose your Rhythm

Do you know how to pace yourself? Do you know how to keep the speed of life that you prefer even as the rest of the world goes at a different pace? Comment below and let me know! I’d love to hear from you!

Personally, I don’t. For me, keeping pace is a deep struggle that is highlighted as the world opens up and we, creatures of habit, return to business as usual.

Mother and young boy nose to nose all smiles.
Photo Credits: Bruno Nascimento

Even though isolation due to the pandemic has been horrible in so many regards, for me it has also been magical. For the first time in over a year, I felt like I could go at the slower pace my body and mind require without major consequences because all the external demands fell away. Besides my own, there are stories of parents finally having a chance to breathe and play with their kids rather than ferrying them around. Other friends have spoken of surprising immense relief in not having to commute.

Now, the external demands are piling back on. For me, this past week felt insane with two doctor appointments every day added into the daily demands. Friends and family are reaching out more which is both awesome and overwhelming. I once again feel like I can’t keep up. And, actually, I am not. I paying the piper for overdoing it.

A swarm of racers running through the streets; it's hard to pace yourself in such settings.
Photo Credits: Quino Al

So, as I once again recover and recalibrate, I wonder what are you doing to pace yourself? Let me know in the comments below your struggles and successes! I could use some tips!

Last week, I argued that there is no going back; we can only move forward. This is so true AND it requires conscious effort not to slip into old patterns that wear you down and exhaust your spirit. Just because you can go faster, doesn’t mean you should. Even if you can do more, do you really need to? For example, do you really need another summer dress or pair of swim trunks or are you resorting to shopping therapy?

And for those of you who have been busting your butt on the front lines, I ask do you still need to keep the breakneck pace? Perhaps now is the time for self-care and start healing from the trauma.

A runner stopping to tie his shoe. Learning to pace yourself if recognizing your needs.
Photo Credits: Alexander Redl

Not only do you get to choose what you want to release from pre-pandemic times, but this is also your chance to pull forward the highlights of the isolation. What did you learn about yourself? How did you find calm or fulfillment? Choose these!

Here are some tips that are helping me:

  • Set your goals and schedule as much as possible on internal drivers rather than external factors.
  • Say no to outside commitments, say yes to your needs and desires.
  • Listen to your inner wisdom that is telling you how to move forward.
  • Feel the ache in your body.
  • Hear the whispers of your soul.
  • Follow your heart and pace yourself.
A woman running through the water  chasing seagulls. Such happiness comes when you learn to pace yourself.
Photo Credits: Dan Russo

May it be so!