The Art of Pacing: Entering 2026 with a Slower Step

As 2025 draws to a close, it is a natural time for reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the year ahead. In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the perpetual motion, yet the universe often sends us gentle (or not so gentle) reminders to hit the brakes. The close of a year is the perfect time to heed those signals.

Sitting in the quiet comfort of a car, a space often used for transit but here serving as an "office", working in a home setting environment, the mind clears enough to truly feel appreciative of everything 2025 delivered. Every challenge surmounted, every small victory, and even the moments of quiet contemplation contribute to a year well-lived and well-learned. Gratitude is the first step in slowing down—acknowledging the present without rushing to the next item on the to-do list.

Life is full of prompts to adjust our speed. On the dashboard, a charming "running" little character serves as a daily, subtle hint.

These simple, everyday occurrences offer powerful symbolism if we are open to them. Most recently, a personal watch deciding to slow down provided a more direct, perhaps even poetic, cue... 20 min behind real time ;-)

These are not malfunctions; they are metaphors, urging us to question our own pace and the relentless push we often impose upon ourselves.

Slowing down isn't about achieving less; it is about experiencing more. It is about moving from simply doing to consciously being. In this measured approach, we find clarity, resilience, and a deeper connection to our lives and the world around us. It is the key to entering the new year with purpose rather than just momentum.

Entering 2026 with a hope for good health is paramount, as physical and mental well-being are often casualties of chronic haste. With a commitment to slowing down, we also seek the wisdom to accept what we cannot change—a profound practice in letting go and finding peace in the face of the inevitable. And finally, we carry hope for peace in the world, recognizing that inner calm is the foundation for global harmony.

May your transition into 2026 be a slow, intentional, and deeply restorative one. Embrace the reminders to pause; your pace is a powerful choice.