Life is not a race

by thelfrich · 16 comments

I am linking up for the first time with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday. It’s a time where we write for five minutes without worrying about editing, overthinking, etc. Today’s topic is Race. Feel free to join us!

When did life become a race?

We are constantly “busy”, going from one thing to the next. From getting the kids off to school, to work, to after school activities, to church functions, to cleaning the house, to trying to follow a dream, to being utterly exhausted. The majority of us have done this pretty consistently now for a while.

Over the last few years, I have really tried to refocus on living instead of racing from one thing to the next. I have tried to slow down and enjoy the scenery. I have tried to purposely not enroll the kids in every activity known to man. I have tried to take time to follow my dream.

But what I have not been so good at is resting. I am constantly feeling like I have to race from one thing to the next in order to get everything done.

My husband and I just came back from 6 days in Mexico. No social media, no cell phones, and pure relaxation. We did some fun activities, but our pace was slower. We were not completely scheduled. It was awesome! And I remember thinking that this is what I need to learn to do. Take more time to relax and actually just live and enjoy the moment.

Gorgeous sunrise in Mexico

I’m not even home for a week yet and I already feel the pace quickening. The race has begun again. But this time, I am choosing to slow it down. I am going to choose to truly live. It may mean adjusting my schedule and reprioritizing. But I am willing to do it. I need to do it.

Do you feel like life is a race? When is the last time you truly relaxed?

 

  • http://www.emilyrenee.blogspot.com/ Emily Bedwell

    I love this! I wish I was better at slowing down. Work, school and life seem to constantly pull me in a million directions. And, this morning, for the first time in a long time, I am realizing just how exhausted I am; how hard it is to focus, and how much I just want, more than anything, to jump out of the race and rest. Great post! Welcome to the Five Minute Family!

    • http://www.tammyhelfrich.com/ Tammy Helfrich

      Thanks. I feel the same way. It is really hard, but I am always glad that I do it when I can.

  • Denise Oldham

    I really like this.

    • http://www.tammyhelfrich.com/ Tammy Helfrich

      Thanks, Denise!

  • Lori

    This is a great post! And oh so true! How DID we come to the place where life is a race?!? I love those times when we can rest and relax and re-focus. Your photo of Mexico is awesome!
    Thanks for sharing! I’m stopping by from FMF.

    • http://www.tammyhelfrich.com/ Tammy Helfrich

      Thanks, Lori! I am really trying to make time for rest!

  • Becky Daye

    Welcome to 5 minute Friday! So glad that you decided to join up. This is a wonderful post. I love how God uses situations to remind us that He wants us to rest. Your picture is stunning!

    • http://www.tammyhelfrich.com/ Tammy Helfrich

      Thanks, Becky!

  • http://twitter.com/cupojoegirl Eileen Knowles

    So glad to see you here, Tammy! Yes, I struggle with this too. But LIFE is discovered in the moments we choose to slow down and take it in.

    • http://www.tammyhelfrich.com/ Tammy Helfrich

      I definitely agree! I’ve been meaning to join in for a while. Loved your piece by the way!

  • http://simplystriving.wordpress.com/ Nikki

    living instead of racing….I love that! and join you on the journey…

    So thrilled you decided to link up to Five Minute Friday so I could meet you!!

    • http://www.tammyhelfrich.com/ Tammy Helfrich

      Thanks, Nikki! I’ve been wanting to join in for a while. Seems like a great group!

  • http://twitter.com/barblehmansmith Barbara Lehman Smith

    Thanks for your piece, Tammy, and for introducing me to Five Minute Friday! I find some slow down time walking my golden retriever mid-way through my writing day. Time now to do just that….thx

    • http://www.tammyhelfrich.com/ Tammy Helfrich

      I love walking outside as well!

  • http://myfreshlybrewedlife.com/ Barbie

    Welcome to the Five Minute Friday! I too want to focus on living instead of racing. Have a beautiful weekend.

  • http://twitter.com/TheAndyGilmore Andrew Gilmore

    It is hard for me to relax. Sometimes I feel guilty–like I am wasting time if I do. But I find that some of the best moments in life are the unscripted: getting caught in a rainstorm, or playing with my kids when I planned to write.

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