I joined a challenge at the beginning of the year through Hope*Writers. They emailed a 5-day writing prompt for Instagram (#hopewriterlife) to help us to grow our writing skills. It was hard and fun and I’m proud to have stuck with it. For the next couple of days, I am posting my daily writings to share with you.

My hope is always that my writing may encourage, inspire or bring connection to those who join me here. Thank you for reading, it means the world to me!

Day 1: Slow

Slow…

To live unhurried.

To remain steady.

To interact gently.

To feel relaxed.

To provide comfort.

To chase slow.

This is what beckons to me as we creep into the new year. The past couple years have been hurried, heavy and filled with unknowns and worries. Maybe your soul feels a bit like mine, in need of renewal, restoration and simple routines? This year feels like the pause we all need to embrace a slower, more simple pace as we walk through each day.

2022, the year to chase slow.

Chasing slow, for me, means prioritizing the things that matter most…faith, relationships, my passions, serving others, speaking truth, and living in love. None of these require hustling, proving myself or building up my own reputation (all of which leave me exhausted, self conscious and empty.) They do require living in the moment, listening earnestly to people, deep belly laughing and savoring the flavor of food shared with friends.

Chasing slow is playing more Barbies and Candyland, enjoy long conversations with friend, inviting people into my home (even if the laundry is piled up on the couch). It’s reaching for my Bible instead of scrolling TikTok, playing worship music all day and intentionally praying for people when I feel led to do so.

Chasing slow can mean different things for all of us, and I hope you will take a moment to decide what that means for you.

How will you chase slow today?

Read Day 2 of the Challenge