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Colleen Bartlett

Words For The Soul
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Smile, breathe, and go slowly

Colleen Bartlett November 5, 2020

I find November to be a difficult month. The air gets chillier. The evenings get darker. The sun feels a bit further away.

Recently my work hours changed and my mornings are very early. I find myself yawning a little bit more. I feel my body call for rest, but the motor in my brain—which never seems to slow down—says, “Keep going. You’re not going fast enough. Do more. Be more.”

It’s tiring.

With my busier schedule, it becomes apparent that I can’t do everything all of the time. My energy is limited. My time is limited.

I am limited.

But here’s the thing: I am not made to be limitless; and neither are you. My fatigue and exhaustion remind me of this truth. Being limited doesn’t mean not being “enough.” Being limited is a reminder that I am not meant to do everything on my own. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Flowers can’t grow on their own, either. They need sunlight and soil. Water and wonder. Time to grow.

So do I.

In case you need the permission from someone else, here it is: It’s ok to be exhausted. It’s ok to take a step back today. It’s ok to lean on a friend or loved one for a little extra comfort.

Take a moment to look out the window. To breathe life in. Sip your coffee slowly. Savor the small moments of slowing down. There is beauty all around.


”Smile, breathe and go slowly.”

Thich Naht Hahn

← 5 Soulful Ways to Bring Holiday Cheer This YearSlowing Down. →

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Colleen’s been featured on Life Advancer, The Mighty, CD Baby and Learning Mind. Click the links below!

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