<p><strong>Slow Down. You’re Still Enough. </strong></p><p>Let’s get something clear upfront. This does not apply to premium gist. </p><p>If you’re coming with headline-breaking news, juicy updates, or gist that has weight, chances are, you'll get a response even before you hit “send.”
</p><p>So yes, this is strictly for regular-life conversations. Thank you, and God bless.
</p><p>Now, back to it.
</p><p>Being available all the time can drain you. These days, it feels like you have to be constantly online, constantly responding, constantly showing up… or people assume you don’t care. But that’s not true.
</p><p>Sometimes, you just need a break. You want to rest. You want to be alone with your thoughts. And that doesn’t mean you’re being selfish or ignoring people. It just means you’re human.
</p><p>I saw someone explain it perfectly:
</p><p>"<em>Chats overwhelm me, especially when I’m busy. I see messages, plan to reply later, then forget completely. And it’s never personal. I could love you deeply and still not reply to your ‘how are you?’ for days."</em></p><p><img src="/media/inline_insight_image/pexels-mart-production-7605821.jpg" alt=""><em></em></p><p>I saw myself in that. Completely.</p><p>Just because someone doesn’t respond right away doesn’t mean they don’t care. We all get caught up in life. Some of us go quiet when we’re overwhelmed. That doesn’t mean we’ve disconnected emotionally.
</p><p>You are allowed to slow down. </p><p>Now<em> Breathe in (hmm…) Good job…
</em></p><p><em>Breathe out (ah…) Beautiful..
</em></p><p>You don’t have to be available 24/7 to be a good friend, partner, or person.
</p><p>Resting.
</p><p>Going quiet for a bit.
</p><p>Setting boundaries.
</p><p>These are not signs of weakness. They are signs of balance.
</p><p>Let people wait, but don’t let them wait forever. It’s okay to protect your peace, but be compassionate too. Be considerate. Have human feelings. Put yourself in their shoes. If it were you reaching out, hoping to be seen or heard, how would you feel being left hanging?
</p><p>You don’t have to rush things, though. All you need to do is remember.
</p><p>Yeah, I know that can be tough. You’ve got a lot on your mind, and honestly, the lot is a lot.
</p><p>Sometimes a simple <em>“Hey, I saw your message. I’ll get back to you soon”</em> can go a long way. Thoughtfulness doesn't require "availability", just a little effort and empathy.
</p><p>And if it all still feels too much, take a moment. Step outside.
</p><p>Let the sun hit your skin. Look at the trees, the sky, the flowers, yes, even if you don’t like the flowers, you can still admire their beauty while listening to this song: </p><p><em>“You can ask the flowers, I sit for hours
</em></p><p><em>Tellin' all the bluebirds, the bill and coo birds
</em></p><p><em>Pretty little baby, I'm so in love with you” </em></p><p><img src="/media/inline_insight_image/pexels-chehomova-ph-9087215.jpg" alt=""></p><p>Let yourself indulge in a little softness. The world will wait.</p><p>Go ahead and rest, but still, show small care.</p>
Slow Down. You’re Still Enough.
By
Ofonime Koko
•
7 plays