I have a thing about me: it’s a drivenness, an ambition, a go-go-go, more-more-more attitude, and it’s a very productive trouble-maker. I’m not overly loud or social or outgoing – I’m actually most comfortable as an introvert, holla to my blanket, sweatpants, and hot chocolate on the couch – so if you meet me, you might not realize that this never stopping never stopping never stopping is a deep rhythm of my brain, my head space, my mental reality.
This way of being has brought me many good things – like a job teaching 4th grade at my dream school 7 years ago when teaching jobs were scarce, and now a food blog that I built from the ground up that literally pays the bills and counts as a real job. Grateful doesn’t even touch it.
But it’s also a dangerously easy mindset that, when unchecked, does some regular self-sabotage to my soul.
More! Go! Grab! Take! Want! Work! Hustle! Win! it says. You have to get ahead! it commands. Your worth is what you produce! it lies.
But I’m tired and I need rest, I say back timidly. I need to slow down, I plead, knowing I’m speaking the truth but somehow afraid to question what has always been: the self-imposed fast pace, the hustle, the habit of busy.
Life is so big and awesome, but sometimes big and awesome is just a little too big and awesome.
Maybe this quote from Shauna Niequist’s book Bittersweet is as true to you as it is to me:
“I’m ravenous, and life looks to me so sparkly and beautiful, waiting to be devoured like a perfect apple. So I say yes, yes to everything, to that meal and that event and that trip and that person. It’s so delicious, and I don’t want to miss out on even one moment of it. And that’s the point: I miss all sorts of sacred and significant moments, because of my frantic insistence that I can do it all.”
Shauna Niequist
This fall, I’m pushing myself to take an unofficial break from the never-ending fast-paced hamster wheel and just settle in to a lovely, comfy, slow fall rhythm.
To me, a slow fall rhythm means pulling out old recipe favorites just for the love, even though it will slowing the blog down a bit. It’s waiting for true excitement and inspiration instead of forcing myself into a new recipe just to get ahead with more posts. It means making sure I make time for working out every day, and being okay defining “working out” as a casual, relaxing walk around the lake. It means ending the work day a little earlier than normal to go over to see Stillwater all dressed up for fall, and walk around by the river and sit outside and split a reuben and fries with Bjork and Sage. It means flexing on my work schedule where I can a little more, going to bed early or getting up late when I need to, saying no to the flashy new work project and yes to the nap when I’m sick, and taking the time to light a yummy candle every morning as I sit here at the counter with my breakfast, my think time, and my Write the Word journal.
Last week, Bjork and I went with his parents on a little getaway to Duluth, MN (Du-luuuuuth!) to experience all that is autumn in Minnesota and a good, sweet, slow fall rhythm. And it was awesome.
And that’s really what I wanted to say today: that taking some time for breathing room is really sweet and precious to me in this season.
To you busy readers who feel like you can’t catch a break during a chaotic season of your life, I want you to remember: you’re worth it. You’re worth slowing down for. You don’t have to get away for two days to experience a slow down: what work or church or family or social commitments could you press pause on this week? What could you do on your daily commute to make life feel good – audio books, maybe? relaxing music? guided meditation or prayer or even just taking a coffee-to-go with hazelnut creamer and breathing in that aromatherapy magic all the way to work? What small things could you give yourself today, right now? How about a leisurely walk to look at those flaming red fall trees? Bonus if you can grab an almond milk chai tea latte to carry with you in your mittened hand, and double bonus if you have an easy slow cooker chicken wild rice soup waiting for you when you get home. Not a walk to get some exercise, not a walk to get the dog out – just a walk to go outside and slow down and be present in life for 15 minutes.
Guys, I’m sending big love to you all in your busy seasons and your slow ones because I love you in that non-creepy internet way. Um, was that weird? Can we say that? I really do love your awesome selves. ♡
Also big love to fall in Minnesota! I don’t like to be braggy about it, but I’m 100% sure that there’s nothing better.
I would be missing a big piece of the puzzle if I did not highly recommend the book Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist to you right now. It’s been so helpful to me. She is all of us ambitious, awesome, life-hungry people and she has so much wisdom to share.
Too busy to read? Audio books, man. Your first book on Audible is FREE as in you pay zero dollars. Go get it right now.
Absolutely beautiful blog. You inspire me! Looking forward to seeing more. 🙂
Ok, been stalking for quite some time now, but I just had to leave a comment when I saw you recommend Present Over Perfect! Yep, just got done listening to this one on Audible. I definitely agree, it was amazing! Another reallllllly good one for this type of season (which I’m with you, leaving the hustle and slowing down) is The Best Yes, by Lysa Terkuerst. And I’m also reading (well, listening to) Uninvited by Lysa as well. Such great personal development books, that really help you reel things back, focus on what’s important but also what God has for you too. Thanks for all you do, your work through your blog is so helpful and such pearls of wisdom to us new food bloggers 🙂
Thank you so much for the reminder! I really needed at this time. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed and just need to slow down and take one thing at a time! I love your blog, your recipes, and your writing!
And now all I need is to step outside to enjoy this beautiful Fall weather while sipping my favorite cup of coffee 😉
Thank you for this! Could not agree more. The hustle is great, but at the same time I always need a reminder that it’s not the most important thing in my life. That all those small moments (that I often miss because I’m hustling so hard) are what really matters… PS – Love all the selfies with your family! So fun!
I am absolutely in love with this idea and completely understand the go-go-go mentality. Sometimes it’s nice and even necessary to just kick back and relax, to take a breath. Love it <3
Oh my. How I needed to read this. Thank you <3
So refreshing to read your post. I can relate. Great read for a monday morning. Thank you!
Thanks Carolyn! Glad to hear that!
SO MUCH YES to this! I am the same (always go go go and also a current teacher) and so struggling with this right now, like this minute. I NEEDED this. Thank you. <3 Also, good for you for slowing the blog down and everything else. Take care of you. Your readers will be here!
Thank you Katy! That means a lot to me. 🙂
We love you too Lindsay in a non-creepy internet way! Lovely photos of Duluth! I agree that MN in fall is pretty hard to beat.
Thanks Katie! Glad you’ve had the experience of MN fall magic!
Perfect words! And perfect timing! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Jennifer!
Can I just say that out of all these wonderful photos, my favourite is the one with your legs in the car and the to-go coffees? I don’t know what shop has teal cups with brown lids, but I love that more than I can possibly express. I totally know what you mean about not being able to slow down, but I myself am trying to embrace the cosiness of fall this year and take some time for relaxation (it’s harder than it looks). It reminds me of an article I once read about how men have an easier time relaxing, whereas us women always feel like we have to EARN our downtime, and there always seems to be an unending list of things to get accomplished. I have kept that in mind since I read it, to try to work out the feeling that I have to justify my own downtime.
Happy Autumn!
Caribou Coffee, that’s who! 🙂 Thanks for this thoughtful comment Katherine! Really appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
A wonderful post Lindsay and absolutely sums up my mindset as well. Thank you for sharing, your words are very inspiring.
Thank you Georgina – we can walk this journey together!
What a great post, thanks for sharing. I think it’s amazing that you can be open, honest, and share not only the ups but even the downs, or slow-downs! It really helps connect us all and helps us feel that it’s ok to want to take a break and get back to a sense of normalcy… especially when we’re bombarded every day to keep up with the pace of what everyone else is doing, creating, cooking, posting, facebooking, instagraming, and story-ing. So again, thanks for the reminder to actually be ok with some stillness, it only makes us feel more human. much love xoxo.
Much love back at you Roya! <3
Thank you so much for sharing Lindsay and reminding us all that it’s okay to slow down, savor, and just stop. I 1000% relate to the “I can do this!” constant mindset, I love achieving, being productive and keeping things growing, but sometimes it’s just too much. I also get that guilt of when I’m not producing, but I made a birthday intention this year to find balance, for realz. Jason and I are actually on vacation as we speak for a much needed break, to reconnect, disconnect and just be in love again. Each day seems like a whirlwind but I’m so ready to let those moment slow down a bit so we can enjoy them more together. Thank you for the book suggestion, can’t wait to read it! XOXO
I’m so glad you and Jason are taking some time away! Hope you guys had a great trip and were able to actually unplug and relax. I know how hard it is. But so needed, and so restorative when we actually do take time away. XO
Can I just say as an empty nester, now looking back on life, that it is very wise to slow down and build in those times of rest. My body crashed, in a horrible way, trying to do too much for way, too many years…and has never rebounded. ( I think, no, I KNOW it’s imperative to listen to the Lord and that still small voice . 🙂 Not to be heavy, just trying to help others learn from example. 🙂
This is so wise. Thank you for sharing Tamara.
Thank you for this beautiful post. I am 100% that person too. And it can be so tiring! Thank you for sharing and helping spread the word that there’s something else besides go go go. <3
There IS something else! And I am trying to learn it right along with you. 🙂
I’ve been wondering where you’ve been! Take your time and ENJOY!! I’ll scroll through your recipe archives in the meantime 🙂
xo Jules
Thanks Julia. I’m still here, just moving more slowly and intentionally than ever before. In a good way. 🙂
Love this post. I can’t wait to read your book. Great reminder how important it is to slow down. 🙂
LOVE that book. There was so much I could relate to in those words.
I hear you on this 100%! I really needed this today. Go enjoy some “you” time..you deserve it!
Thanks Molly – you too!
I hear everything you’re saying and I agree. I’m not moving as fast on blogging as I want and I was so frustrated. I’m trying to not get upset and enjoy the time my retired hubby and I have together. Thank you for your insight!
Yes. People first. Thanks for the comment Marisa!
So much yes, my friend. xo
virtual hug back to you.
Good on you Lindsay, you totally deserve to take some time out for yourself, you work so hard. After owning/operating a cafe for almost 6 years, I too understand how the work can start to consume your life and before you know it you aren’t really “living” anymore. And although you love what you do taking the time to enjoy the small things will make a world of difference to your mind, body and soul. Take care girl 🙏
Oh my, I can’t even imagine the amount of work that comes with owning a cafe. Thank you for your wise words!
I’ve read every single one of your posts for 4 years, and this may be my favorite one yet! I so appreciate you, Lindsay!
Thank you Mary! Trying to show up and be real, so I appreciate your kind, encouraging words.
Okay, looks like I’m moving to MN! You make is so totally inviting..the lake is spectacular! Thx for all your thoughts and kind words…you just picked up where my thoughts have been leading these past few weeks…coincidence? I think not…I like the idea of a slow fall rhythm…I’m with ya on that one sister! And love is never creepy…back at cha! (from santa cruz CA)
Yes, please! You need some fall in your life.
Hear, hear! High fives from Kansas City. 🙂
Give Cookie an extra snuggle from me.