Did Not Finish

This week, Goodreads sent me an email that resonates deeply for me. They have added a feature called DNF so users can populate a shelf that holds the books they did not finish reading. Aah I thought...its about time.

As I begin to view life through the "slow-living" lens, I have begin to give myself permission to spend time and energy in what nourishes me and what moves me. For years, I immersed in the "should" paradigm - should do what is good for me, should do what is responsible, should not waste time in frou frou stuff! You get it, yes?

Not anymore! Now (and it still feels wondrous that I do so) I am able to stop, instantly, with no rationale, without needing to "finish" any task, action or conversation. So I can leave food on my plate, I can watch 10 minutes of a movie and stop and of course, stop reading a book midway! I am talking to someone and suddenly I realise that words are coming out of my mouth with little or no point...STOP! I am reaching for one more almond or a spoon of veggies and I notice there is no hunger, only habit. STOP. And to my utter delight, I walk away without a thought. There is no nagging sense of obligation or a yearning to "complete". It is enough that I felt that inner stop!

This also allows me to gift or give away (I cannot throw anything usable of course) clothes, books, shoes, bags, even memberships and experiences - even when they are "brand new". I do not need to wait till they age in my wardrobe or on my device! I am not going to have use for it...so it can find a new home.

So DNF and responding to the inner stop are mantras for life. Gratitude Goodreads!