Sunday afternoons should be a little escape from the world. It’s where you can be yourself. It’s where you can relax by enjoying time in the kitchen at a slower pace, doing some hand stitching, reading a book, settling in for a nap or whatever it is that you love.

In a world that praises faster, bigger and better, learning to change to a different pace that values Being rather than Doing is important. You may be a great multi-tasker, but is that how you want to be known? If not, you can choose to focus on a project or moment at hand before moving on to another. You will likely find the pace more manageable, the projects and moments more enjoyable and your stress level lowering.

If you have a hard time slowing down, here are three suggestions for enjoying a simpler day.

1. If you have down time, be careful not to fill it too quickly. Enjoy the slower moments to be inspired, creative and for fun.

2. Having your supplies organized makes it easier to dig into something creative without extra effort when inspiration strikes. For slow stitching, I like to keep prepared projects in a bag and ready to go. It only takes a little time ahead to be ready to enjoy English Paper Piecing or an applique project.

3. Unplug. While you cannot be unavailable completely, you can choose to remove distractions from unnecessary alerts or interruptions. You will find yourself enjoying the special moments rather than documenting those moments.

Weekends are great for relaxing and refreshing, but only when you choose how you will fill the hours. Here’s to many slow Sunday afternoons. You won’t regret it!

Happy Sewing!

Debbie