Slow down, you move to fast.

I get so mad at all of you when you are posting slackers. I need to click on my dashboard and see a plethora of new posts (side note: when I first learned the meaning of the word "plethora," I tried to use it in every possible sentence. Now I hate it, and rarely use it. Kinda like how I used to LOVE Chef Boyardee raviolis in high school, but I ate so many back then, that I can't stomach them now). But I realized that I have no right to judge, because in the month of April, I posted a total of 4 times. Pathetic. Consider the wrist officially slapped. And this is my public vow to do better (because I'm sure most of you sit at the edge of your seat, clicking refresh repeatedly as you anxiously wait for a new post from me, no?).
Moving on. I have been troubled lately by my impatience with Claire. If you routinely read my blog, you know Claire is, well, a disaster. I am quick to point out her flaws, her antics, her naughtiness. But, if I pause long enough to catch them, she is a wealth of life lessons.

She marches to the beat of her own drum, moves at a snail's pace and offers unconditional love. She forces me to slow down. But, of course, instead of embracing that, I get frustrated and try to hurry her along at the world's pace. She will slowly pedal to the park, arriving there a good 15 minutes after her sister. It is not that she is incapable of pedaling fast, those sturdy legs are strong and able. She just chooses to pedal for a minute, then pause to stare up at the clouds. Pedal a bit more, then stop to examine the rocks by the road. She has a different concept of time. She is in no hurry. She will not be rushed. It's as if she knows I need to be constantly reminded to cherish each moment, so she takes 5 minutes to walk from the car to the gym door, 10 feet in front of her.

I am impatient (dial-up almost did me in). I want instant results. One of my old journal entries from high school reads, "I need immediate gratification. I would love to learn how to play the piano, but I would expect to be Beethoven after a few lessons. I want to run a marathon, and would, if a week would be enough time to train for one. I get it about Rome and all, but I want to drop 5 pounds in a day, learn Spanish in a semester, know that I am with the love of my life after one date." Regardless of how far I believe I have come since that time in my life, how many life lessons I believe I have learned. I am remarkably the same.

And that is why I have been blessed to know Claire. A daily reminder to slow down. She is such a happy little girl, and I think she holds the secret. There is no need to rush. Let the world pass you by. Seems easy enough, right? So simple even a 2-year-old can do it.