Over and over again as I was reading Ann Kroekers’s book, Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families, I would think to myself, if I had children, I would definitely do that. Or, if I were married, I know we would make that a priority.
Things like sitting down at the table for dinner, limiting television and internet surfing, choosing carefully the activities to participate in: these all seem like excellent priorities for a family with children.
But what about for a single person? Is there something better about eating healthy food at a table rather than grabbing a sandwich in front of the television, even if I am eating alone?
When Ann first handed me a copy of her book, she warned me that the book was in a family way. “But I’m sure there are things for singles, too,” she offered, hopefully. But she was wrong.
Chapter after chapter I found the book had been written for me. Even as a single person, I needed to think deeply about all of the areas of my life where speed had trumped significance. And Ann had become my tour guide through the recesses of my life, showing me that what’s good for families is good for singles.
I wasn’t too far into the book when I started dropping the “if I were married” or “if I had children” thoughts, and just simply started making goals for myself.
There were some topics that took creativity to apply: for instance, I am not currently faced with the decision between home schooling or sending my children to a private academy. And the sheer number of people in Ann’s house – six – compared to the number of people in my house – one – changes the logistics of living a slowed-down, simplified life.
So, over the next few weeks, I am going to consider “Slow-Down Solutions for Singles,” taking the ideas from Ann’s book and applying them to a solitary life. Whether you have a family or live alone, if you are looking to simplify, to live an empty{full} life, Ann’s book, and my thoughts here, are offered to help you on your journey.
For everyone who yearns for the benefits of a slower life, I want to point to Jesus and say, “Start here. Start with the One who offers true and lasting peace. Look to His Word. Meditate on that. Learn from him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.” I wish they could see that the root of meaning and peace that we’re seeking is found not in a yoga pose or a mind-emptying meditation session, but in a rich relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
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For more slowing down resources, visit Ann’s Not-So-Fast Links. Here, she highlights blogs, books, articles and websites centered on slowing down.
Great idea (and very creative and open-minded of you to stretch it to the single life). I wonder if some singles might reist the slowing down for fear of being alone with themselves? I am working on this type of thing with my 18 y.o. daughter now. She is so busy running all the time, socializing, keeping busy. How can she ever find out who she really is unless she slows down to spend time alone, just sitting with herself and God? These last few days have been great as she has foregone (for the first time in her life) social events in favor of quietly staying home discovering things she likes to do for herself, becoming content wiht herself. I feel like it’s a breakthrough in her development from teen to adult.
When I pitched the idea to my editor, I pointed out that the idea of slowing down in our fast-paced world can apply to people in all walks of life, but they advised me to zero in on families for ministry and marketing purposes. So I had families in my head and heart as I researched and wrote.
I can’t wait to how you apply the ideas, principles and insights to life as a single, Charity.
In fact, I’m speaking at a women’s retreat in a little over a month, so I’ll be watching your posts closely. The women will come from all walks of life, from young singles (even some college-aged women) to retirees!
So glad to share life with you.
I am so excited to read along in your series on Ann’s book! I am leading a book club in February on Not So Fast and many of the participants are singles so I will appreciate your insights and applications.