Tortoises

For most people, this week was the first full week back at work after the holidays. How was it? Did you ease back in gently, or has it been ‘full speed ahead’ for 2025 already? I intentionally blocked this week off from meetings, not so I could have a longer holiday but so I could be more choiceful in how I spent my time and establish a new rhythm for this year. It wasn’t easy. I inevitably had to take some calls that truly couldn’t wait, and the emails and WhatsApps are already flowing in. It’s hard to be a tortoise when everyone else is a hare.

Still, it’s been a good week. I’ve had time to work on a few priorities (text for my new website, an outline for a guest speaking slot on a career transitions course), to organise my calendar, and to reflect on what I want to say yes and no to this year. My priority is to stay both present and grounded, which is difficult for me to do if there is too much on my plate. When everyone around you is moving at 80-100 mph, it’s hard not to go the speed of traffic.

Moving at a slower pace means I will need to be more intentional about how where I direct my attention and ruthlessly prioritise my time. It means I might not respond to messages immediately – or even at all. It means I won’t bend over backwards to make myself available if it means sacrificing nights or weekends or cramming too much into my day. And it means I might say no to something – even if I have the time – because it’s not aligned with the work I want to be doing. I hope this all means I’ll have more time and attention for what I love doing most – working with individuals and teams going through change.

I love this poem “Walk Slowly” by Danna Faulds for her reminder that life isn’t a relay race, that we will all cross the finish line, and that waking up to life is what we were born for. I keep reminding myself that in the fable of the tortoise and the hare, it’s the tortoise who crosses the finish line first. If you find yourself charging forward without knowing where you’re going, perhaps take that as an invitation to stop, breathe, and walk a little more slowly. Come join me in being more tortoise-like this year.

About Friday Pauses

We can all sense how a lack of presence in our daily life affects the quality of our relationships, our ability to form real connections – and yet we struggle to set aside distractions. In my Friday Pauses, I want to encourage us all to do just that – pause for a moment and feel what it’s like to be present by reading a poem.

If you’re new to Friday Pause, here’s what I suggest:

• Minimize or close other screens.
• Put your phone on silent.
• Close your eyes and take a full breath in…and out. Maybe count to four on the inhale and six on the exhale.
• Read the poem below – out loud, if you can. It will slow you down and help you feel the words more.
• Take another deep breath in…and out.
• Resume your day.