Before getting my first Driver’s License, my father insisted I learn to drive by using a stick-shift. I drove that type of car for years and grew to appreciate the gears and how they work—including the downshift. So although the vast majority of cars now automatically shift for us, the downshift is still very much a part of the engine. As it turns out, I think the human body also has such a gear. That’s partially why I decided to use the next month (August) as a time to downshift from this blog. No I’m not shutting it down, but I am going to pause for 30 days and sink into a more mindful, aware and slower version of my life. After contemplating this idea for several weeks, I am hoping that my downshift will generate three important benefits. And in case anyone wants to join me in their own downshift, I’ve listed three good reasons it makes sense.
For those of you who are fairly new to SMART Living 365, my first blog post was June 8, 2011. Yes, nine years ago. And during that time I have never once missed posting once a week. Even when I was traveling out of the country I scheduled guest posters to fill in for me. I also experimented a couple of times and posted more than once a week—but began posting every Friday for at least the last five.
Why? I write and blog because I receive so much satisfaction from finding intriguing bits of information (about mostly positive stuff of course!) and then putting my words down so I can share them with others. I believe I think better when I write. Of course, I realize that my writing is my unique voice and that not everyone approves or appreciates that. Plus, I think it is fairly obvious that my blog isn’t a money-maker for me. (Although I do receive royalties from my books, I never accept advertising.) Still, as long as I feel the benefits, I have always wanted and needed to continue.
As far as my maintaining a weekly schedule, anyone who knows me knows that a schedule is a tool that helps me stay on track and motivated. Once in a while it feels restrictive, but most of the time it is like brushing my teeth twice a day. I just do it because it is part of who I am. However, even with that said, every now and then a “pause” is a good idea to make sure our actions haven’t just become a habit. I intend to find out by taking a month off.
So what are the anticipated benefits of any downshift?
#1 Safety. Just like with any vehicle, a downshift helps to keep us safe. If you’ve ever driven behind a semi-truck cresting a hill and then heard them shift gears, you know they are doing that to make sure that the heavy vehicle doesn’t just plunge downhill taking another couple of cars with them. The driver shifts into lower gears to keep himself and his truck safe.
By the same token, if we race through life, jam tons of activities into our days (and yes that is possible even in a pandemic), then we need to consciously downshift now and then. Sure sleeping is good and that helps our bodies. But what about our minds? Are we letting our minds rest and recover or instead unconsciously allowing our brains to shift into overdrive with every possibility? While there might be advantages to having a “accelerated” mind, we still need to downshift when approaching a curve. Plus, we should never forget that what we allow to happen in our brains (worry, anxiety, frustration) also has a very profound effect on our bodies. A downshift is a perfect way to slow that all down and put the focus on what is happening right here, right now.
#2 To preserve equipment. One of the major elements in any vehicle is the braking system. You don’t use it every moment you’re driving, but it is extremely necessary when you need it. Downshifting allows the driver to preserve the braking system so when needed, you know it is reliable.
Likewise, I think it is easier when we are younger to take our bodies (and minds) for granted. We can rush around doing anything and everything, filling our daily moments with to-do lists and often never feel the consequences. However, if you’re anything like me, I can’t do that anymore. Even when I want to go-go-go my body is telling me to not push it quite the same. And frankly, why do I need to? At this age I no longer need to keep up with others unless it is something that I really, really want to do, be or have. But if I unconsciously push myself without awareness, it is likely I’ll forget how to downshift and maybe even burn out my system. I don’t know about you, but I definitely want to preserve my “equipment” mentally, emotionally and physically. A choice to downshift when the timing seems right is a very healthy thing to do.
#3 Enjoy the scenery. When I was younger I’ll admit I had a thing for speed. I’d get behind the wheel of my little car (with a stick shift of course) and race around anywhere I could. Did I enjoy the scenery? Yes, once in a while. But looking back I am positive I missed a lot.
Downshifting, like rightsizing, gives us an opportunity to slow down and smell the gardenias. It allows us to look with awe at all the beauty that still exists in our world even when sometimes challenging issues are happening at the same time. It gifts us with the mindfulness that right here, right now we are okay and so are the majority of those we know and love (even when we know there is plenty more that we can be doing!)
I read online yesterday that there are 100 more days until the next election. I have no doubt that the coming three months will be full of news, controversy, anticipation, hope, discouragement and even fear. I also know that I want to be more engaged than I have ever been before because I truly feel our country needs that right now. But I also know that I need to keep my mind and body safe, to “preserve my equipment” and to enjoy the scenery around me at the same time. It’s never an either/or. I want to remember it is a both/and.
By downshifting for the next month (and whenever necessary after that) I want to emerge from the experience with a greater sense of what matters to me. I also expect to feel rejuvenated and excited to keep writing and sharing with all of you in the days ahead. I have no idea if you too could use a downshift, but I invite you to consider that it might be one of the SMARTest things you could do this August.
I didn’t intentionally decide to take a break from blogging, but that’s what happened when COVID came along and turned everything upside down. Now I wonder if I’ll ever find my mojo and return. I made so many wonderful friends through this medium, it feels a shame to walk away from it permanently.
I hope your break re-energizes you and you are able to return fully invigorated.
yes time to re-think blogging.. there is so much information online.. it is overwhelming for all of us. Lets keep up the zooming.
There are so many bloggers posting about taking a break. Perhaps this pandemic has given us a different perspective on life, and that we can take as a positive from this. A life spend in front of a computer screen is not the be and, end-all.
Your words are a great metaphor for life and whilst I am not giving away blogging, I am limiting and re-organizing the way I blog to a stricter schedule.
Enjoy your break, and I am happy to have found your blog via Janis.
Your insight and reasoning always gives me cause to internalise and consider. Sadly, it’s not quite the same with my driving: I steadfastly refuse to change from a manual to an automatic gearbox but not because I like the concept of downshifting so much as the fact that sadly I think with my feet.
Kathy
Enjoy your downshift….I have been thinking of doing something like that as well. Have to work on finding someone to manage some workload that needs to be covered in case of emergency. Have not done so….time to do so
Jamie
I like how you tied this topic in with the gears of a car. So true! In Europe, all (when I grew up) and most (now) cars have manual transmissions. That’s how I learned to drive as well. Much easier driving in the US!
Taking a (blogging) break is always advantageous, I think. In the thirteen years I’ve been blogging (on two different sites), I only took one month off, a couple of years ago. I enjoyed that time of a shifted focus and wouldn’t mind doing it again. Now is not the right time for that, though, unless I need those blogging days to do my memoir work in August.
That being said, while I try to post once a week and while I tried to keep to a Wednesday schedule, I allow life to interfere. Better for my stress level and enjoyment of “real life” to be able to postpone a blog I have in mind, because I’m actually hiking that day or have other plans. Or, I don’t feel like blogging. It has to be something I enjoy at all times, without seeing it as a chore. It’s amazing that you have been able to stick with the Friday schedule through it all, for five years.
Enjoy your downshift! You will be refreshed and I have a feeling you might not stick to such a rigid schedule afterwards anymore. 🙂
I feel like I have been in permanent downsift mode since March! It has been a good time to quietly approach life. Frankly, I am ready to reengage with others, but it is simply too dangerous. So, my “downshifted” life continues, with plenty of me and us time.
You are so right about the next three months before a critical election for our future. Take time away now, before it becomes completely crazy.
Your timing is perfect … enjoy those perfect summer days!
Hi Kathy, enjoy your time away. I’m sure you will return renewed and refreshed. We’ve spent the morning preparing for a hurricane, which will likely be a non-event, but prepare we must. No time for down-shifting.
Thanks for the reminder and yes…time for a pause (downshift) and for the next month I will Let Go of all News and Social Media.
and…remember each day a few words from Lao Tzu — “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
HI, Kathy – I am a big believer in blogging breaks. The ones that I taken have done wonders for me and have reaped the benefits that you have listed. Enjoy your downshift. You will be GREATLY missed!
We will miss your blogs and can look at the hundreds on your site!!! I will downshift with you to enjoy the scenery and again chose what is important. Nature abhors a vacuum and since I am working part time from home, I don’t need to drive to the office. However I guess I have downshifted and slowed down because the former travel time was swallowed up. Noticing and enjoying the very little simple things/scenery in life is great. I also agree that “I believe I think better when I write.” Happy month off and keep journaling…
May you experience the peace and beauty of August…..a very inspiring move
What a great analogy Kathy, your descriptions really made sense and explained it so clearly. I wish you well in your downshifting time and although I don’t always comment, I do pop in and read your posts and appreciate your efforts. Take care.
Glad to hear it. You need a vacation as I know how hard you work on your Blogs.
For me, if I downshifted any more, I would be in Park. The Coronavirus has done the job for me.
Stay Healthy.
I remember seeing a novel once called “August,” with the catch-phrase, “When even psychiatrists go on vacation.” A great premise for a novel, but also a good reminder that all of us — even us retired people — need a shift in what we do and how we do it. It’s a great idea, and I may engage in the sincerest form of flattery: imitation. I always found, after summer vacations as a teacher, I came back reinvigorated, re-energized, and ready to plunge enthusiastically into the new year. May it be true for you. too!
One of the benefits of the pandemic summer is what I call a ‘forced rest’ — your idea of downshift is the same. Let’s learn some new habits!
Hi Kathy
Thanks for the reminder …
It’s good to take a pause once in a while …
Enjoy your August.
Hi Kathy – quite a co-incidence because I’ve been having similar thoughts over the last few months. I’m planning on downshifting (great word to describe this!) to one post a week from August onwards. It’s been 6 years since I started blogging and I’ve gone from 3 posts a week to 2 posts a week and now I’m going down another gear to 1 post. I feel like I need to slow it down a bit too – so that blogging is still a joy and not a chore.
Hopefully we’ll both find our sweet spot over the months ahead and I look forward to whatever you’ll be posting over the coming days xx