Apr
29
2010
29
2010
“Not So Fast” Giveaway
Filed under: Giveaways, Simplifying
“Life is not a sprint. Yet, we live in the land that values and even glorifies speed — mind numbing, adrenaline-churning, distracting, dangerous speed. And few families can sustain that pace over the long haul. Those that try end up with indicators that it’s time to slow down. Is that pace of life inevitable? I don’t think so, because as I look to Christ and try to discern in Scripture His pace, there’s something I can’t help but notice. Jesus never seemed to be in a hurry.”
-Excerpt from Not So Fast, by Ann Kroeker
Have you ever wished you could just SLOW IT ALL DOWN? Life moves so fast, and unless you are intentional about creating a slower pace, you will spiral out of control at the pace of your surrounding culture.
My friend, Ann Kroeker, has written a book called “Not So Fast: Slow Down Solutions for Frenzied Families” that talks about this phenomenon of the “over scheduling”of our families and our children. She explores this topic beautifully and offers practical wisdom on how to slow down your life so that you have more time for family, friends, and most importantly, Jesus.
I’ve really been enjoying her book (available in Kindle format too!)…and I love the she has featured excerpts from blogs that I know and love, including Andrea, Aimee, and there is even little blurb from me as well.
This giveaway will feature a signed copy of Ann’s book…the winner will be chosen at random on Monday at 12:00 CST. To enter:
- Leave a comment below and tell me one way that you have intentionally made a choice to slow down your life.
- For an extra entries, put a link back to this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter (and then do a second/third comment here that says “FB/Twitter”)
- You will get yet ANOTHER entry for posting about this giveaway on your own blog (add another comment here that says “blogged here” with a link).
I will be doing MANY MORE awesome giveaways over the next couple of weeks to celebrate Walk Slowly’s FOURTH birthday. Crazy, I know 
I can’t believe it’s been that long. So stay tuned for lots of fun stuff!
Posted by Sara @ 9:46 am | Leave a Comment
30
2010
over the beginning of this year, as a working (full time) college student, i found myself consistently busy, stressed out, & NOT loving life. in our crazy media-driven society, i have gone to great lengths (and irritated a lot of people) by blocking text messaging from my cell phone & deleting my facebook account. i didn’t like being readily available to hundreds of people ALL. THE. TIME.
i have also taken the steps to simplify life by becoming a vegetarian (again) who eats lots of raw food & travels to St. Louis’ Soulard farmer’s market every saturday morning with my mother!
p.s.
i think you should know that i have been a dread-lover for years and years…
you have single-handedly abolished my apprehension about being a white girl with dreads. i am dreading this august during my 10-day trip to Portland!!!
30
2010
One of the things that I found really stressed me out was all the “errand running”. It seemed like I was always having to go after something. I have intentionally started meal planning and shopping every two weeks (our payday cycle). It has made such a HUGE difference. Not too mention not stressing out over what we’re having for dinner that night. Trying to live a more self-sustaining lifestyle has helped too. Keeps us home more to enjoy the things here and do projects together. We garden, have chickens, and just added honey bees.
30
2010
facebook!
30
2010
We have started this spring by not enrolling our kids in anything. Nothing. Which is a huge change for all of us. I took it harder than they did! After we explained what and why we were just going to go slow this summer, they were so excited! They started listing all the things that they feel like they never get to do since we hauling them here and there. Looking forward to an “old-fashion” summer!
30
2010
I am a Middle School teacher and have to constantly remind myself to slow down…..before I react badly.
30
2010
one way I chose to slow down- walk to work. you’d think it would mean I rush to get ready beforehand, but I know I will walk and prepare ahead of time. it’s changed a lot in my life, probably the catalyst for many small changes!
30
2010
we have started observing the sabbath more intentionally. we plan our week so that we can have sunday to rest and spend time enjoying one another.
30
2010
we are growing most of our own food this year, so we are cooking and staying in more than ever. and loving it. this book sounds amazing!
30
2010
We sing together after dinner and it has become a special time for our family.
30
2010
Our family was having a time with swimming, soccer, karate, church classes, etc. It ate up most of our week. So, we asked our kids what activities they preferred to do and eliminated the rest. At the time we were living in our camper. Loved how close our family felt after we began enjoying just how fun our new lifestyle was. Meals were eaten together at the picnic table rather than in the car. Walks to take out the trash were leisurely and became an adventure instead of throwing our trash bags on top of the car and tossing them as we drove by. Evenings were spent by a campfire rather than in a waiting room. It was an awakening that brought my family a little closer.
30
2010
My family and I try to keep things slow and simple as much as possible. It can be challenging, for a myriad of reasons. We really enjoy nature and being outdoors so, in warmer months, do a lot of camping, hiking, beaching, etc.
However, we live on the East Coast of Canada, and our Winters can be loooooooong! It can become tempting to start scheduling our days so that they are very full – with skating, skiing, sledding, indoor “playdates” with friends, family movie nights, swimming at our local pool, etc. All of which are fun, all of which are important, but we also need time to do nothing. Time to be “bored” so that we become more creative. We have made planning and doing nothing more of a priority over this past Winter and it was great. We spent lots of snowy (although less snow this Winter than usual, sadly) afternoons doing not much of anything but playing or making whatever came to mind – or not. Just hanging out at home.
It was good.
30
2010
only one summer activity per kid.
30
2010
We got rid of our tv and have a large garden planted for slow food and slow living!
30
2010
I have started observing the Sabbath. That day is truly one of rest. It has made a tremendous difference in the rest of my week.
1
2010
love the book…LOL
gave this as Christmas presents to my family and friends!
1
2010
I’ve cut back on scheduled playdates and am going to just get zoo and museum passes for the year so we can just go and wander when we feel like it.
1
2010
I have recently moved and this has helped me to slow down greatly!!
I am a joiner, I love to be very involved in my community, but then i tend to overwhelm myself with so many great opportunites. I have committed to myself that I will only “join” one thing a year. I will not sign myself up for anything until I know fully that I can manage what is already on my plate!
1
2010
facebook!!!!
1
2010
I have taken myself off mailing lists and needless email lists. I have also reduced the number of unused possessions I own in an attempt to spend less time managing stuff and more time outside and doing things I love.
1
2010
We have de-cluttered yet again. It is so fun when you have de-cluttered almost everything, then about a month later, you go through it again and find more ‘stuff’ that you don’t need.
1
2010
I have given up evening television. I have given myself permission to spend only one of my baby’s naps doing housework. I get to use the time during the other nap to rest, read, rejuvenate. It has really helped!
1
2010
I decided enough was enough this year. Cut back to working three days a week to be home more for my kids. The kids aren’t doing any extra curricular activities and instead we got for nature walks, to the park, spend time in the garden etc.
We have slowed our life right down and we are all so much happier for it. For once, most days of our week we don’t need to go anywhere, there is no time limit and none of us even wear a watch anymore
2
2010
I’ve been practinging a slower pace for a little while now. It all started when my husband blessed me with the opportunity to stay at home with our children. Obviously there are daily routines but instead of time being emphasized, I chose to focus more on interests and needs. We stay at home more and really enjoy camping, gardening, raising a miniature zoo from time to time! Basically…connecting with nature has been our route of choice for a calmer pace…and I’ve become more humbled because of it.
Thank you for a wonderful giveaway!
2
2010
I blogged about this giveaway that you can find here…
http://serenitysgivaways.blogspot.com/2010/04/yoplait-greek-nourish-your-inner.html
: ) Have a beautiful day!
2
2010
Between two (of my three) boys we have taekwondo 4 days a week…. Fridays have become our “Don’t leave the house” days, unless we choose to go do something fun. Fridays are no errand, no cleaning unless necessary days. It’s our breathier day before we get busy with weekend living, where we all need to recharge. We sit around and play games, read books, watch movies as a family. It’s a great routine for us.
2
2010
I totally get it!
I so need this book for my friend – who is rushing though life at full speed…..missing the moments for the rush.
2
2010
My husband and I are constantly trying to make sure we don’t over book our lives and get enough time just being together with the kids. Choosing to stay home with the kids has been a great way of making sure we don’t miss all the little beautiful moments with them.
2
2010
Sara,
We just bought our first camper… a pop up last night. We are sooo thrilled to just be together as a family this summer, slowin’ down and lovin’ life. We have four boys so things can get hectic, but we are going to be intentional about making memories with our boys with some little trips away together.
2
2010
Facebooked it!
2
2010
I try not to schedule more than 2 days of activity each week (M-F). That gives us three days to hang out at home or do something spur of the moment.
2
2010
I would love a copy of this book. I’m a stay-at-home mom and sometimes I think about coming up with a side job to bring in supplement income. But then I think that the money would not be worth it. I’d rather have that time to spend with my husband and daughter and develop relationships with others and serve in my church (my husband is a youth pastor). Some people might call me lazy, but I see it as eliminating unnecessary stress and having the ministry of availability.
2
2010
A big thing I’ve struggled with is saying no without feeling guilty. Until the end of the school year I am commited to a babysitting job that I never intended to take on, but guilted myself into. I’m definitely more relaxed and on top of my game when I have a minimum of 2 days a week that I stay home. It gives me a chance to catch up on everything without feeling so rushed. Now if we could find a solution to my husband’s ever increasing workload at his job.
2
2010
Our (new) church is doing a series right now on this topic too. Our kids are pretty young (4&2), so I’m glad to get this perspective in advance of the years of overscheduling. We are going to limit kids to one activity at a time, if they want an activity at all.
Since I’ve become a stay-home mom again I am starting to embrace a more calm life. I miss the energy of the working world at times, but I don’t miss the massive juggling it requires.
2
2010
Well, my biggest change was when I stopped working and started preparing to be a stay at home mom (baby is due end of May!).
I thought this would be something I would face later but I’m already seeing many opportunities to fill my time – MOPS, Church activities, Friends of Midwives groups, etc. They are good things but I have to remember to be very intentional and selective about what I choose to do. I want to be able to savor my time with our new little one and not feel like I’m always running around. I’m sure it will only get harder as time goes on.
2
2010
I would love to win this book! Trying to live a less frazzled life is exactly what I’ve been trying to do. I just wrote about the journey!
http://betweenhitchingposts.com/2010/04/30/a-frazzled-mind/
2
2010
turn off the TV and play a game!
2
2010
I transformed my life for the better when I resigned from my job to embrace my job as a stay at home mom. It has reminded me the importance of the simple things in life, and there isn’t any money in the world that would make me change my mind!
2
2010
We limit activities outside of the home during the week and make sure we sit down to a healthy dinner together most nights. I am always looking for ways to slow down and simplify!
2
2010
Follow your blog and look forward to updates.
Instead of being in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up all the time…i have started to sit when my daughter wants me to sit so she can show me something
or talk. Our relationship is actually better for this
and I am learning not to have to be busy all the time.
Thanks for the book contest.
jenny
2
2010
stopped watching the clock and followed a natural rhythm
happy blogiversary, as well!
2
2010
I stopped being obsessive about a clean house. I started reading the One Year Bible with my daughters everyday before we start homeschool. I am focusing on being intentional … it’s a process. God has had us on a journey of just enjoying each other of late. We have learned new games as a family and that time together has blessed us tremendously.
So enjoy your blog. Congrats on four years!
3
2010
Hi,
As a twenty-something young lady, living in London; I’ve slowly come to realise that the busyness of life is not something which was ordained of God. Rather, I’m choosing to appreciate the simple, little things in life, taking time out to simply live.
And loving it!
THanks.
3
2010
Oh my goodness-
I feel like everything we do is done with the intention to slow down and appreciate living in the moment. Home schooling, local foods, dinner at home, gardening, backyard chickens and ducks, light ‘scheduled’ events, weekly dinners with friends, no tv…everyday is filled with intentionality.
3
2010
In our efforts to eat locally and organically and to do some other things in a more natural or old fashioned way, we have begun to slow down. We have chickens and a garden, a drying rack for clothes, we make our own laundry detergent, softener and shampoo, making gifts, and making our own broth over several days or other foods that we used to buy, all of these things slow us down.
3
2010
7 years ago we got rid of our tv haven’t regreted it once.
3
2010
We make sure to spend at least one day a week at home with nothing at all planned. I loved the Simplicity Parenting book that you suggested to me during our photo session. That was a huge help to me in structuring our new family life with little Vivienne. Thanks!
8
2010
We don’t watch commercial tv…it has so powerfully decreased “I want…”s and we have less stuff.
15
2010
I don’t know if anyone else has already mentioned this, but there is another eye-opening book on this subject called “In Praise of Slow” by Carl Honore.
The cult of speed is definitely one of the modern curses.
4
2010
I’ve subscribed to your rss to be on the lookout for additional posts of yours. Definitely anticipating more posts on the same subject. Thanks for such an interesting blog!
3
2010
when summer comes, our summer activity ranges from kayaking to mountain climbing and also hiking too `::