Emily Speed

Emily is 3 1/2.  She's the baby.  She is super smart and super witty.  However, she is NOT super speedy.  Emily moves at her own pace.  I find myself constantly telling her things like "Come on" or "Hurry up" or "Let's go, Em!"  She, on the other hand, is rarely in a hurry to get anywhere or do anything.

Last evening, for example, I took a walk with my girls.  They rode their bikes and I intended to walk briskly in hopes of burning off a few extra calories.  Emily had a different plan, though.  She casually pedaled her bike, stopping every 5-10 feet to watch a bird fly by or to go pick a flower.

This morning, as I write this, Emily is perfectly content just sitting and watching her favorite movie, Tangled.  She is singing along, giggling, and taking in every detail.  On the other hand, as I sit watching the movie with her, I am writing, thinking about the laundry that is waiting, the dishes that are piled in the sink, the emails I need to send, and the schedule for the afternoon.

The truth is, I find "Emily Speed" to be quite annoying - maddening, in fact.    However, it is not because of the inconvenience it causes me (well, maybe a little).  It is actually because I am jealous.  I am jealous of Emily's childhood innocence and carefree pace.  You see, Emily is not concerned with what is happening tomorrow or even later today.  She has nothing more important to think about than what is happening right now, at this very moment.  If she wants to stop and smell the roses (literally) she does!

I am trying very hard to stop rushing so much and follow Emily's example more often.  I know I can't be completely relaxed and carefree like her, but I can't help but think how much more enjoyable life would be if we could all travel through at "Emily Speed" - not rushing or hurrying, but completely caught up in enjoying the here and now; not afraid to stop and smell the roses whenever we want!

See - Not a care in the world!