Marianne Preston

Coach- Life Transitions & Burnout Recovery

Newsletter:
March 3,2025

Hey there Reader,

Slowing Down to Move Forward

There’s a common belief that overcoming fear means charging forward, pushing through discomfort, and forcing change. And while there’s truth in the idea that growth requires action, what if the best way to move forward isn’t to push, but to pause?

What if embracing change sometimes means stepping back, reassessing, and allowing the right path to emerge—without struggle?

I was reminded of this just last week while walking my dog, Murphy. It was a last-minute decision to take him out before I had to leave for the day. He’s older now, and everything he does is slower. Even with the stairs I use to help him into the van, getting around takes more effort for him.

We started our walk, and when we reached our usual spot, I realized it had been enough for him. It was time to turn back. I had places to be, and in my mind, I was already onto the next thing.

As we headed home, I noticed Murphy struggling to keep up. His breathing was heavier, and I could see he was pushing himself.

In that moment, fear crept in—was I asking too much of him?

Was I so caught up in my own momentum that I had ignored what was right in front of me? I slowed my steps, shifted my focus, and allowed myself to be fully present with him.

And suddenly, nothing else mattered.

There was time to get where I needed to be. But more importantly, there was this moment, right now, with him.

It hit me then: how often do we push ourselves beyond what’s necessary, ignoring the signals that it’s time to slow down?

How often do we convince ourselves that struggle is the only way forward, when in reality, stepping back might be the wiser, kinder choice?

Letting Change Unfold with Presence

It’s easy to believe that if we’re not making progress, we’re failing.

We live in a world that values movement, results, and hustle. And as we get older, there’s an added urgency—we start measuring time differently. We think about what we’ve done, what we haven’t done, and what’s still possible. But in this rush to achieve and transform, we can miss something crucial: the messages telling us to pause.

Maybe you’ve been pushing toward a goal, only to feel stuck. Maybe life feels like an uphill battle, no matter how much effort you put in. If that’s the case, consider this—perhaps it’s not a roadblock, but a message. Maybe now isn’t the time to force the next step, but to stop, reassess, and trust that the right path will reveal itself when it’s meant to.

Three Questions to Ponder:

Where in your life are you forcing progress when you might need to pause and reflect instead?
What signals—physical, emotional, or situational—are telling you that it’s time to slow down?
How can you embrace rest, joy, or fun without guilt, trusting that these moments are just as valuable as action?

The Power of Stepping Back

Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. It means allowing space for clarity. It means trusting that not every moment has to be filled with effort. Sometimes, the most healing and restorative thing we can do is give ourselves permission to pause.

Taking a Break Can Be Strategic: Whether it’s a creative project, a business venture, or a personal goal, stepping back often brings fresh insights. Ideas emerge when we stop forcing them.
Joy and Rest Are Not Wasted Time: Maybe instead of pushing through, you go for a walk, take a nap, read a book, or spend time with a loved one. These moments recharge you in ways effort never will.
Clarity Comes in the Quiet: When we stop pushing, we start noticing. The right opportunities, ideas, and paths often appear when we’re not fixated on controlling the outcome.

For me, Murphy’s slowing pace was a reminder that not everything has to be a race.

Sometimes, life asks us to pause—not as a punishment, but as an invitation. To be more present. To honor where we are. To recognize that true growth happens not just in movement, but in stillness too.

So, where in your life can you stop forcing and start allowing? Where can you release the struggle and trust that the right timing, the right path, and the right opportunities will come—not through pushing, but through patience and presence?

Whatever that answer is for you, know this: slowing down is not failure. It’s wisdom. And it just might be the very thing that brings you exactly where you need to be.

In keeping with my love of theatre, playwrights say it best.

"Two things define you:

your patience when

you have nothing and

your attitude when you

have everything"

George Bernard Shaw

What's Coming and what is available:

Date to be announced soon for a FREE ZOOM call in Mid March about Managing our Fears and Embracing Change. If you are on this list more I will be sending more details soon. If you want to attend please let me know as I will be looking at a late afternoon time and hope that works for most people.
90 minutes private session on "Life By Design" - a laser coaching session to hone in on your top priorities and create clarity and a blueprint for success.

An owl sitting on a branch in the dark — Slow Down. Everything in its time.

Staying Connected

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