OT:At Your Own Pace

The Tortoise And The Hare

The classic tale of the tortoise and the hare reminds us that different people take life at different speeds and that one way is not necessarily superior to another. In fact, in the story it is the slower animal that ends up arriving at the destination first. In the same way, some of us seem to move very quickly through the issues and obstacles we all face in our lives. Others need long periods of time to process their feelings and move into new states of awareness. For those of us who perceive ourselves as moving quickly, it can be painful and exasperating to deal with someone else's slower pace. Yet, just like the tortoise and the hare, we all arrive at the same destination, together, eventually.

People who take their time with things are probably in the minority in most of the world today. We live in a time when speed and productivity are valued above almost anything else. Therefore, people who flow at a slower pace are out of sync with the world and are often pestered and prodded to go faster and do more. This can be not only frustrating but also counterproductive because the stress of being pushed to move faster than one is able to move actually slows progress. On the other hand, if a person's style is honored and supported, they will find their way in their own time and, just like the tortoise, they might just beat the speedier, more easily distracted person to the finish line.

It's important to remember that we are not actually in a race to get somewhere ahead of someone else, and it is difficult to judge by appearances whether one person has made more progress than another. Whether you count yourself among the fast movers or as one of the slower folks, we can all benefit from respecting the pace that those around us choose for themselves. This way, we can keep our eyes on our own journey, knowing that we will all end up together in the end.

I think I tend to give the appearance of moving fast. In reality I'm often spinning my wheels or going in circles. It seems like especially since having surgery I try to do too many things at one time, talk too fast, interrupt others (I'm really trying to work on this one and listen more!). I think I'm trying to make up for lost time. . .

It takes me a while to get my feelings in line with my brain.  I usually think about things before I actually feel them.  As far as the physical space of my world, I do go through it at a whirlwind pace and am told by many that I need to slow down.  I cannot slow down; if I slow down, I might fall asleep.

I think, though, we are all going through this life or our own journeys at the pace that works for us; therefore, if others get there first, it's okay.  My nanny use to tell us that she was slow but sure.  In matters of emotions, I follow her path. 

Another good topic that segues between wls and pre wls perfectly or even wls to non wls perfectly.

Thanks Darlene....this is mvery good....something I need to pay more attention to more.

Love ya...hugs....connie d

Darlene, this is a REALLY good topic and I am so glad that you posted this one. I get so impatient about things and some of the physical problems that I am going through is #1 on the list. I get so impatient about this and think it should be done and over with. I am ready to go on to bigger and better things. But all things in their own time. I have to remember that one!

Thanks again for another great thread. I so enjoy these and they really get you to thinking which is great...we all need to do that. Even if as I say..thinking gives me a headache! ha ha