How Changing Countries Changed My Speed.

Even before I left the United States, I had started to let go of the rhythm that my upbringing had taught me, but it was in moving to France that I really slowed down.

Some of it was a structural choice.
Most of it was a personal choice.

Yesterday, I had a wonderful conversation with Jordan Soliday, in preparation for a group read of his upcoming book.

He's all things "unhurried."

As part of the conversation, we talked about what it was like to move to Europe from the US, particularly as it pertained to the speed with which we live and work.

As I was sharing with him, I realized just how much my life rhythm shifted when I shifted the soil on which I stood.

No school on Wednesdays, means spending the day hanging out with my children, even if it's supposed to be a work day.

Two weeks of school vacation every 6-8 weeks, leads to taking more time off than I ever did pre French living. (Usually about 10-12 weeks a year.)

Then there are the simple, daily things.

We hang our laundry to dry and let the sun do its job, instead of throwing it into the dryer.

Village life means walking a lot -- to friends, to the bakery for fresh bread, to the weekly Italian food market, etc.

We have 20+ different fruit trees on our property, and spend the time harvesting the fruit, making jams, breads or tarts, and enjoying the sweetness that comes from growing your own food.

We have long weekend lunches with friends, often spending 4-5 hours around the table, while the kids are running around the yard.

This slow pace has become central to how I live and how I work.

Book circles are slow by design.

Why rush through the content, when we can ground ourselves in ideas, and more intentionally develop the practice it invites?

As we enter into the end of the year, what's your speed?

1) Sunday drive
2) City cruising
3) Open road
4) Autobahn
5) Formula 1
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Originally posted on LinkedIn with comments.

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