The summer is a quiet time for many people. It’s time to slow down and take time off. In some countries they “shut down” for a month, with only the essentials open. This is healthy. We need time for family and friends. We also need time to rejuvenate.

During this season the birds and animals forage, they raise young and teach them how to survive. These young explore their surroundings, frolic, play and rest. The plants grow, flower, seed and provide nutrients for the soil. It is all part of the process.

Learn and Connect

We could all take a lesson from this. We can connect with our children too – teach and play. We can also learn from them, it should not be one directional. We can share time and play with our partners.  We can learn to relax and enjoy life and our surroundings, take time to smell the roses, something we should practice all year round. We can explore and visit – friends new and old. We can rest. It’s time to release your inner tortoise.

This simple process of slowing down and taking time off allows us to continue for the long winter ahead. It connects us with the earth and with people. Every summer, I have specific events and times that I go to. It is precious to spend time with friends to enjoy the outdoors. Connection. It gives me time to reflect and realize what is really important and why I exist. It helps us get strong.

Make a Pledge to Slow Down and Take Time Off

So, I hope each of you will, if you haven’t already, set some time aside and do something (or perhaps don’t do anything). Here’s a simple suggestion list:

1. Spend quality time with a friend or family member
2. Learn something new
3. Go out and explore
4. Watch your children, grandchildren or friends children play (and go play with them)
5. Read a good book
6. Get off the computer and be active
7. Volunteer or help a neighbour
8. Sit out in the backyard or at the cottage and watch the world go by
9. Cook and share a good meal, hopefully fresh and local
10. Release your inner tortoise

I’m Slowing Down

For the next couple weeks, until the middle of August, I will be visiting with family and friends. My daughter is visiting, to share time and enjoy life. I generally go at a slow pace anyway, life is too short, not to enjoy it. I have however, scheduled a couple regular posts to keep you informed and share with you, but it is unlikely that I will communicate with social media and email on a regular basis, if at all. You may also have noticed less activity on the site, on Twitter and via email.

Why? Because I’ve already slowed down – my inner tortoise is in full force. I’m enjoying the garden, my guitar, good food, fruit picking, time with friends and the process of summer. I hope that all of you will slow down and take some time off too!

Please share with me what your tortoise is doing.

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