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When Did Life Become a Race Against the Clock?

August 26, 2026 by 8 Comments

Speed – Habit or Necessity?

We live in a culture that treats constant momentum as evidence that we’re doing life correctly. Faster response = faster results = more productivity. More information…more decisions. Keep moving, keep accomplishing, keep up.

But nature doesn’t operate that way. Neither do good movies. A compelling movie isn’t one long action sequence. It has tension and release. Movement and stillness. Dialogue and silence. Scenes that race and scenes that barely move. The pauses aren’t interruptions in the movie. They’re part of its rhythm.

We rush even when nobody is rushing us. We fill empty spaces. We answer immediately. We feel strangely guilty when we’re not accomplishing something. I know this from personal experience. I am sure you can relate…

And eventually we can become so accustomed to moving quickly that we stop noticing whether the pace actually suits the life we’re living. Here’s a question worth asking ourselves: Do we have the courage to stop forcing the wrong pace?

Rhythmic Flow

Routine says: Do this at this time.

Rhythm says: Know when to move, when to wait, when to push, when to release, when to speak, and when to be still.

There is a time for each. Movement and stillness aren’t opposites competing for our attention. They’re different parts of the same rhythm.

Nature never seems embarrassed by rest. A tree doesn’t panic in January because it isn’t producing leaves. The ocean has its tides. The sun rises and sets. Fields have growing seasons and dormant seasons. Nature operates in rhythms, not at one relentless speed.

Each Season Has a Job

Spring doesn’t apologize for beginning again.
Summer doesn’t hold back its abundance.
Autumn doesn’t cling desperately to what it’s finished with.
Winter doesn’t feel guilty about being still.

Yet humans have somehow decided we’re supposed to be in a permanent season of GO. Living in sunny California, I have to laugh at this one: “Only humans seem to think every season should be summer.”

Have we confused constant motion with progress?

There are times in life to push forward, create, build, decide, travel, accomplish and say YES. And there are times to pull inward, observe, reconsider, restore and simply let something be.

 Living courageously means recognizing what season you’re actually in instead of forcing yourself to live at a pace that belongs to another one.

 Technology has eliminated many of the natural pauses we once had. We don’t wait for much anymore. Something loads slowly and we’re irritated. A text goes unanswered and we wonder why. We can shop, communicate, work, watch, read and get information almost instantly.

Our world has accelerated. Nature hasn’t. A seed still takes the time it takes. A tide can’t be hurried. The moon doesn’t skip a phase because it’s running behind.

Yes, sometimes life calls for speed and action…

Rhythm isn’t about being slow. It’s about knowing the appropriate pace for the moment you’re in. I moved at a fairly quick pace through much of my earlier life. Now, while the world around me seems determined to move faster, I’m discovering something different. This may be my season to slow the pace, pay attention, and leave enough space to recognize the next adventure when it arrives.

Perhaps courage isn’t always about taking the next bold step. Sometimes it’s having enough confidence not to take the step until the timing is right. I am raising my hand to that!
Filed Under: Debra's Articles, Empowerment, Rhythm, Wisdom To Live By Tagged With: , , ,

Comments

  1. Caroline says
    September 1, 2026 at 7:32 am

    Hi Debra

    What a lovely article, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Food for thought …. and indeed getting and being in tune with our rhythmic flow.

    Sending much love for this new season.

    Caroline xx

    Reply
    • Debra Oakland says
      September 1, 2026 at 12:50 pm

      Hi Caroline,

      I’m so thrilled you enjoyed reading my article. As a writer, it’s always good to hear positive feedback.
      Sending love your way!

      Debra xx

      Reply
  2. Lisa Hutchison, LMHC says
    September 1, 2026 at 8:28 am

    Debra,
    I love your blog here. I can relate to the hurried feeling. For me, it is often within myself ? When I notice, I take some deep breaths and wait. Unless it is an emergency, it does not require an instant response. I also add in times to meditate and rest, which have been helpful as well.
    Thanks for your words of wisdom.
    I will share on x
    Blessings
    Lisa xoxo

    Reply
    • Debra Oakland says
      September 1, 2026 at 12:48 pm

      Thank you so much Lisa,
      You are a wise woman who helps many people. We all need time to breathe, slow down, and take moments vital to our well-being.
      Being the observer helps us notice. Inside and out.
      Thanks for the share on X. xoxo

      Reply
  3. Teresa says
    September 1, 2026 at 8:33 am

    Great article, Deb! I love the comparison to nature.
    Hope you are well!

    Reply
  4. BJ Welch says
    September 1, 2026 at 11:58 am

    I got this message loud and clear and I will embrace it. Taking time for oneself is an absolute necessity. Thank you for reminding us.

    Reply

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