The Art of Savoring

Ice Cream Sundae

As most of my stories begin, I was talking to my sister about feeling overwhelmed by all the things that have to get done in life. How we often are just getting through our tasks as quickly as possible so we can be onto the next task.

And she said she's making a more conscious effort to be soft and slow. To read more books (and slowly!), to enjoy the slowness of life (making meals, chatting without a goal or an end), savoring the sundaes and what fills your metaphorical cup up.

This felt like the best advice I've heard maybe ever, so I am sharing it in the hope it helps you!

How does this relate to writing books?

Well, writing books is the slowest hobby on earth besides snail racing. And, if you're writing books to get through them as quickly as possible, there are definitely better hobbies that will get you to the end goal in days instead of weeks, months or years.

It's not the finish line that matters quite as working slowly through the process. There is way more time spend going through the process than there is finishing it.

I feel that way with a lot of current TV, movies and even some books. That we're just consuming, mindlessly, an endless stream of content that isn't causing us to slow down, think, process and learn from it.

So, if you're reading this, consider this your reminder to slow down a little bit. Cook a slow meal. Read an older book that may not be a "quick" read, but may contain tons of lost wisdom. Go for a walk without your phone. Try to soak in every flower you pass, every cute bird or duck. Savor the sun and wind and water.

As I'm finishing this, I'm getting ready to write my daily pages for my new book, MIDSUMMER HAUS about a murder at the grand opening of a building made of puzzles, featuring an ensemble cast and a detective who is much more Puck than Poirot.