Lets discuss slow

This year I am trialling something new and old for my newsletters – still going with the same provider who I started with last year, but returning to my old ways with posting the newsletter here at whipup as well. That way you can read it online here or via email – easy for you and easy for me. I would be interested in your feedback – if you are receiving this via email already — let me know how you like (or don’t like) it.

Today I want to talk about slow. This year I am going to concentrate on not rushing, not hurrying, not stressing about rushing and hurrying, and in doing so I am sure I will get more done.

I have started off the year by taking it slowly, easing my way into the routine, cooking slow dinners, relaxing in the evening with a snack and then cooking together with a relaxing glass of wine. I am not going to worry about the perfect meal, not going to rush to the shops to pick up something, instead I am going to eat half an hour later if necessary, or I am going to make omelettes for dinner or allow myself to declare cheese and crackers a perfectly acceptable meal. And then on weekends I will put on a casserole to cook quietly in the corner — emitting delicious aromas — while I get on with the business of life.

I am going to take this slow idea and ease myself effortlessly into housework by not rushing, not yelling, not stressing about a little mess and dirt here and there. I am going to declutter and throw things out or give them away if they don’t have a home. And then I am going to do the laundry only once a week – not every day – yes you heard me not every day! Let them wear yesterday’s clothes for another day if they are desperate. And then I am going to delegate tasks — the boys can clean the toilets! But in delegating I am not going to fuss if it is not done to my exacting standards, I am going to let it be (maybe give some advice here and there — that’s allowed), and let them get on with it with some trial and error. And while we are on the subject of housework, I am going to give myself permission to laze about on the weekends — yes, the dirty cups can stay dirty for a few more hours, I am not going to be cleaning the kitchen for the whole of the weekend — I am going to read my book . on the couch . maybe getting up for a cup of tea . or to update my twitter . so there!

Slow is also my mantra for work, for emails, for this blog and for crafting. I am going to take things one step at a time, write lists to help me get organised, and on those lists I am going to include some fun activities that I never seem to be able to fit in anywhere of late — like spending time in the garden or going for an evening walk, having lunch with an old friend, or starting to make that new pattern I have had bookmarked over on ravelry — lists will become my friend and slow will become my mantra. Will you join me on a quest for slow in 2012?

On whipup this week you might want to read about Sayraphim Lothian’s project Gilding the City or a read about a new book – Soul to soul parenting, make a sleep mask, or perhaps get into some crafty recycling. All good things to start the year off slowly.

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