What If You Didn’t Rush? An Invitation to Live and Work Differently
- Paulina Hupka
- May 13
- 4 min read
Our world has become so fast. Meetings, schedules, appointments, workouts and all those little things that we "need to do" to be seen as fully worthy and to deserve rest.
I think many people are aware of the speed in our world. Even when we check all the boxes in our lives to the best of our ability, many of us still feel like something essential is missing.
Maybe you're a woman who schedules every aspect of your life in your calendar.
Even rest is meticulously blocked.
But when you tend to your self-care, it doesn't feel truly nourishing.
It feels just like another task to do.
Maybe you postpone your rest and self-care to "when things calm down." Work comes first, other people come first, you rush and tend to everyone except yourself. But things rarely settle. The storm may be disguised as a gust, a breeze or a simple windy day.
Maybe you say things like:
"How can I be doing everything right and still feel so wrong?"
"Why do I keep craving food when I'm stressed?"
"Why does my wellness feel like performance?"
"Why can't I cry and be soft, too? I always have to be the strong one?"
"When I'm more confident, more ready, I have time to actually care for myself."
Does that resonate with you?
I have certainly had times when I said one of those things.
On Social Media, we see other women doing it all. With a smile on their face. Looking perfect. With ease, they tend to their children, their responsibility and their careers.
They cook and bake from scratch. And still find time for themselves.
Why isn't it working for you?
The truth is: It's not working for them, either.
They either have a team behind them that takes care of filming, editing and advertising their videos, or they have nannies, family or "the village" that supports them.
Social Media - while it can be such a great way to learn more and find inspiration - it can also be our biggest enemy.
It's easy to feel like you're not doing enough.
I get it.
That's why I'm embracing the concept of 'slow living.'
To be honest, I'm not a fan of labelling every aspect of our lives because it creates stagnation.
Labels freeze what's meant to flow.
Life is flowing, in movement and always changing. Today's label probably may not work tomorrow.
That's why I invite you to stop rushing.
Tend the garden of your life with the patience, love and curation that a true garden needs.
Plant seeds, water them daily and respond when something is looking off.
When we allow ourselves to tend to our task with patience and quality, we are nurturing the roots of resilience, growing stability and balance over time.
Your life will become an oasis of grounded wellbeing that allows you to respond with steadiness and grace when something is off.
Nature, the seasons, the ebb and flow of waves, the phases of the moon, our internal cycles, the dance between light and dark, fullness and emptiness, work and rest, all teach us that life isn't linear.
Life is cyclical, it's about returning to your natural rhythm by attuning and embodying yourself.
I know that in a world where the opposite is valued, slowing down might mean falling behind in your business, in your children's education, in your relationships.
You want it all - home, work, wellness, connection.
I know that I wanted it all.
But I've learned and what I'm still learning is that the more stable, balanced and regulated I feel, the more love, care and connection I can offer to my loved ones.
That means I won't be there for every event, for every promotion or for every new release.
As a regulated and confident woman, I can handle that because I know I'm tending my garden and soon I can harvest the fruit that I offer to my beloved.
So, when you read this, I invite you and challenge you to slow down for a minute and ask yourself where in your life you can embrace slowness, even if it's just for a brief moment when you pour water into your tea, before you drink your first coffee or on your break.
You are not behind. You are simply in a different season. And seasons were never meant to be rushed
Let your life unfurl like a leaf in spring; softly, in its own time.
You are invited and very welcome to join my Nourish Notes,
bi-weekly letters that reach your inbox containing slow,
thought-provoking and nourishing ideas to try out for yourself.
Remember, this isn't about replicating what I do. It's about exploring what NOURISHes YOU. Tuning into the quiet rituals, the daily rhythms and the gentle practices that let your sensitive soul and sacred nervous system feel safe, seen and at home.
I look forward to connecting with you.
