Slowing down, I was going too fast

Part of the wonder of summer, is the opportunity to slow down, reflect, relax and get away from our normal day-to-day existence.

Actually leaving home and going on vacation is one way to ensure that you switch off and this summer we had a wonderful time in Italy, where we turned off all devices and just enjoyed all that was available.

But I have discovered another way to get off the fast lane – get a puppy. While we’ve had puppies before, it has been 16 years, and like childbirth, I’d forgotten just how demanding a young “four on the floor” can be.

It has made me really focus on what I have to get done workwise, and what I can let go. All of which made me realize, that surprisingly, you can coast along doing just pure maintenance, and not actually work so hard.

Wow. Can’t believe I even wrote that. Because there have been times this month when it was simply impossible to sit at my computer and work. So I have been working on lowering my expectations and using that time for something else – like walking the dog and reading a book, my favourite way to relax.

As a result, while I’ve felt guilty and at times frustrated at my lack of productivity, it hasn’t all been a bad thing, and may be opening the way for me to have a different work style – one where I am not working as much. Now there is a novel idea, especially given my upcoming fall, with its busy schedule.☺

This is a big adjustment and like any change, I have been somewhat resistant and fighting it along the way. Slowly and surely, I am working on accepting my new reality. Like, we can’t send the dog back – I made this decision, and I have to adjust and go with the flow.

Plus it was love at first sight, he’s such a sweetie.

And it will get better when we get past the chewing, house training and demanding stage. Like taking on any new role, I am feeling my way, and we are getting there. As for who is in charge, I am working hard to become the alpha dog☺

by Anne Day