The price of efficiency

I’ve lived a majority of my life focused on Point A and Point B.

From chores and grades as a kid to all the work of my adult life. Parenting specifically has felt like a never ending list of things to do. All those Point A’s that get checked off the list as I arrive at Point B.

✅ Meal Planning and cooking

✅ Laundry

✅ School

✅ Errands

✅ Research

But I treasure the times when there is no agenda in particular. Those moments have always seemed few and far between. Maybe a weekend here and there or a vacation.

Until now.

As a temporary resident of Japan, I’m performing similar functions, but having a very different experience. Things are a bit slower in this sleepy-ish town of Otaru. Laundry gets sun-dried. Groceries have to be shopped for every few days thanks to my tiny fridge. My two feet are also my primary mode of transportation. It feels like going back in time.

Originally, I wished I had gone to the trouble of getting an international driver’s license, but my walks have been the biggest gift of all. Originally, I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone and save on all the bus fare plus get my workout in as I hike up and down the mountain into town and back home.

🚶🏽‍♀️ But walking has changed my whole outlook. I’m still plotting out destinations and to-dos, but I’m not trying to get them done as fast as possible. Giving myself the gift of time feels like the ultimate act of freedom.

I didn’t even know that I longed for this. But I feel my whole being happily settle into this new normal. I am living. I am not simply doing. I feel so connected and empowered. I feel like myself. 😊

I invite you to take stock. When have felt most like yourself? Or maybe experienced a feeling that you wanted to hold onto?

Experimentation is a part of life’s journey. 🔬 You’ve got to know what you want in order to be intentional about bringing it into your life. And then you get to practice staying connected because what you want will likely change. And that’s perfectly okay. There’s no end to trying things on until you find the right fit.

I’m encouraging you to allow yourself - to “walk” 👣 - to receive on your journey from Point A to Point B. The conversations you have, the things you notice, or the permission you give yourself to not be efficient all have the possibility of contributing to your life in a way that you didn’t know could be so fulfilling.

Instead of fearing what you won’t get done, what if you asked what lovely things await me?