As I kept reading, all I could think was, “This kind of life feels so familiar. But it’s not one I feel anymore.”
From the moment I wake up, I feel like I hit a springboard and launch into my day. There is so much I have to remember, so much I have to do. Taking the time to look—really look—at a sunset, or have a conversation with someone I don’t know very well (and even people I *do*) beyond a cursory “How are you?” is just something I don’t take time to do anymore.
Is it my season of life? Will this get easier when I’m not in the thick of everything in my late-30s?
Or—*gulp*—do I have to make time for this kind of slow, intentional life of connection?
I suspect it’s both, but more of the latter.
It’s simultaneously frustrating, because I think, “Where am I going to find that kind of time?” But also . . . What kind of life will I be living if I don’t?
Thanks, Robyn! I’m an introvert, so sometimes my first instinct is to just keep to myself. But my life is so much richer when I reach out (even when I find it exhausting! 😂).
This probably is also why I always find the dog at the party!
Yes, this sentiment really hit me. I'm in the midst of a big career pivot and I feel like Theo's story of slowness is really *personally* important to me in this moment.
It has been ages since I stayed up late to finish a book and found myself laughing and crying - so thank you.
I knew this book was for me at the Thanksgiving scene. How many times I’ve been in uncomfortable situations with ungrateful people and I wish I could handle them with Theo’s grace.
As I read the end of the book I found myself thinking what a joy it would be to meet Kendrick. Someone so unseen who finds his gift, is a blessing to his mom/daughter/workplace, and finally shares his voice with the town (and ends up with a bigger circle.
I loved the theme of friendship that ran throughout this book and that Theo created and fostered.
You're so right — it's almost like Theo has given us scripts for meeting people exactly where they are. I need to write them on an index card and carry them around.
Kendrick. ❤️❤️ I hope Kendrick of Golden comes after the Ellen of Golden sequel!
Yes!! Allen Levi's written a big ol' draft. Not sure when it's going to be published, but you best believe I will hit that Pre-Order button so fast when it does (and immediately tell you about it 🤣).
I am thinking about the intention of slowing down. Actually watching the sunrise or sunsets. Really listening to conversations with people. I want that too. What does it take for me to achieve that kind of intentional living?
One of my key takeaways from this book is that small slowness can be a gift. One act of small slowness a day might be all it takes. At least that's where I'm starting <3
I did love the slowness of it. I normally listen to audio books at x1.75 speed 🤣 I feel like I do everything at that speed. This one, I slowed it down to normal speed. Why? I did not want to miss a word! I wanted it to last as long as possible. I realized, this is how I want to live life. It also spoke to the question, what do I want to leave behind? What legacy do I want to leave. It took the answer in a different direction than I have gone before now! There is so much beauty in this book!
Patti! x1.75!!!!!!! How many books are you consuming a year at that speed?? 😂
I love that question: What do I want to leave behind? And a companion to that one, I think: what kind of life do I want to be living as I grow older? How can I be more like Theo — living in a way that values connection, beauty, a zest for living — well into the twilight of my life?
I find myself repeating these days: "Stay present. Be where your feet are."
I have read, or listened to, all four of the books you recommended following Theo. All good, none as good as Theo though and I’m not even finished yet.
As I kept reading, all I could think was, “This kind of life feels so familiar. But it’s not one I feel anymore.”
From the moment I wake up, I feel like I hit a springboard and launch into my day. There is so much I have to remember, so much I have to do. Taking the time to look—really look—at a sunset, or have a conversation with someone I don’t know very well (and even people I *do*) beyond a cursory “How are you?” is just something I don’t take time to do anymore.
Is it my season of life? Will this get easier when I’m not in the thick of everything in my late-30s?
Or—*gulp*—do I have to make time for this kind of slow, intentional life of connection?
I suspect it’s both, but more of the latter.
It’s simultaneously frustrating, because I think, “Where am I going to find that kind of time?” But also . . . What kind of life will I be living if I don’t?
I love your point of, “what kind of life will I be living if don’t?”
Thanks, Robyn! I’m an introvert, so sometimes my first instinct is to just keep to myself. But my life is so much richer when I reach out (even when I find it exhausting! 😂).
This probably is also why I always find the dog at the party!
Yes, this sentiment really hit me. I'm in the midst of a big career pivot and I feel like Theo's story of slowness is really *personally* important to me in this moment.
It has been ages since I stayed up late to finish a book and found myself laughing and crying - so thank you.
I knew this book was for me at the Thanksgiving scene. How many times I’ve been in uncomfortable situations with ungrateful people and I wish I could handle them with Theo’s grace.
As I read the end of the book I found myself thinking what a joy it would be to meet Kendrick. Someone so unseen who finds his gift, is a blessing to his mom/daughter/workplace, and finally shares his voice with the town (and ends up with a bigger circle.
I loved the theme of friendship that ran throughout this book and that Theo created and fostered.
You're so right — it's almost like Theo has given us scripts for meeting people exactly where they are. I need to write them on an index card and carry them around.
Kendrick. ❤️❤️ I hope Kendrick of Golden comes after the Ellen of Golden sequel!
There is going to be an Ellen sequel?!? I would love to see what happens with her and Willa and her business.
Yes!! Allen Levi's written a big ol' draft. Not sure when it's going to be published, but you best believe I will hit that Pre-Order button so fast when it does (and immediately tell you about it 🤣).
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCIQK29SXRo/?hl=en&img_index=1
I loved remarkable bright creatures!!! I never thought i would get so attached to an octopus, such a great story about connections!
I know, right?? I couldn't either, but it was one of the best books I read (and by "read," I mean "listened to") last year.
Listening still counts when it comes to book consumption!
I am thinking about the intention of slowing down. Actually watching the sunrise or sunsets. Really listening to conversations with people. I want that too. What does it take for me to achieve that kind of intentional living?
One of my key takeaways from this book is that small slowness can be a gift. One act of small slowness a day might be all it takes. At least that's where I'm starting <3
I did love the slowness of it. I normally listen to audio books at x1.75 speed 🤣 I feel like I do everything at that speed. This one, I slowed it down to normal speed. Why? I did not want to miss a word! I wanted it to last as long as possible. I realized, this is how I want to live life. It also spoke to the question, what do I want to leave behind? What legacy do I want to leave. It took the answer in a different direction than I have gone before now! There is so much beauty in this book!
I am so impressed with x1.75, that is A SKILL.
🤣
Patti! x1.75!!!!!!! How many books are you consuming a year at that speed?? 😂
I love that question: What do I want to leave behind? And a companion to that one, I think: what kind of life do I want to be living as I grow older? How can I be more like Theo — living in a way that values connection, beauty, a zest for living — well into the twilight of my life?
I find myself repeating these days: "Stay present. Be where your feet are."
I agree! I slowed this one down too and I am so glad I did.
I have read, or listened to, all four of the books you recommended following Theo. All good, none as good as Theo though and I’m not even finished yet.
It's going to be hard to fill Theo's shoes, tbh.