It is an art.
It takes lots of time and effort to master.
Things do not have to be done fast.
Everything is not a race.
It is a hard mindset to get out of.
It is a hard mindset to get into.
To slow down.
For me, it was baked in from the day I was born.
You see?
I have five brothers.
Five brothers mean everything was a competition.
Everything was a race.
Who could ‘get it done’ the fastest.
Who could brush their teeth the fastest, to who could get to the bottom of a ski hill first.
I still ski that way.
My nickname when I am skiing is ‘Two turn, TJ.’
I take two turns at the beginning and then go straight.
I have some great memories, and 100% of them make me laugh.
I would not change it for anything.
I am trying to slow things down.
Not everything.
I still love to race.
There is one aspect of slowing down that I am working on.
I am getting tired of always running out the door.
Doing too much in too little of time.
I am never late.
I always arrive on time.
But out of breath.
Why don’t I start getting ready a little earlier?
Leave the house relaxed.
Not praying for every light to be green.
Spend some time picking out what I want to wear.
How I want to feel that night.
What story I want to tell.
Laying it out.
Sticking with the choice.
Leisurely shower.
Have a drink before I go.
Listen to some music.
I am working on it.
I still revert to my old ways.
Mainly because I rode longer than I should have.
Perhaps I am approaching it in the wrong way.
Maybe I should focus on the ‘art’ part and not the ‘slow’ part.
An artist knows to not rush a piece.
That by slowing down, the true essence of their work will emerge.
I think when an artist begins a work, they must feel a little uncertain, but with time and patience, the layers build, the shadows emerge.
The vision gradually unfolds.
Going slow is not just about the work.
It is about the artist’s experience as well.
Letting it unfold naturally.
Not to be too hard on myself.
Make a couple of wrong strokes.
Correct them.
Step back.
Enjoy the experience.
The painting will slowly emerge, and I will not be running out the door.
‘The Art of Taking it Slow.’
Insert Artist palette emoji here.
‘Dress Confidently. Ride Boldly. Ride YOU.’