When Life Slows You Down

Caroline Godin discusses what she's learned from her experience of being forced to slow down after foot surgery. 

The craziness of what secular society calls the holiday season has died down. Kids are back in school and things are back to routine. If you’re a busy mom juggling kids, work, and more, that means the crazy never stopped. 

But sometimes you have no choice. 

The Roadblock 

About a month ago, I had my second bunion surgery. This was the one I delayed until my older two had licenses. This is my right foot. No driving for a couple months. My life feels like it’s come to a screeching halt, except I’m still dragging through as though carrying a lead weight. 

Ever have one of those dreams where you’re trying to move forward but you can’t? It’s like that. It’s also like pulling teeth getting the teens to drive me places, drive my parents places, or carry laundry up or downstairs. The chores? I’m still doing them. Appointments? I have to schedule them on days my husband is free. 

I managed fine after the left foot surgery in the spring, but this one feels like a roadblock. I have no choice but to slow down, be grateful, and try not to stress. 

Taking It Slow 

With the amount I have to put my foot up and ice it, I’ve actually done a lot more reading. Before, I had no time to read. I couldn’t stop long enough. Now, I’m plopped in the chair, ice machine wrapped around my foot, and just sitting. I’m on my third book, where before I hadn’t finished one book in over a year. 

The house is a mess, but I’ve had more conversations with my kids. My middle kid and I have had some deep talks lately. I never knew as much about his thoughts as I do now. He’s either opening up more because he has a captive audience, or I’m suddenly listening better. Probably a combination. 

For the past year, I’ve constantly fussed over my parents. They don’t drive, have health issues, and I do everything for them. I can’t drive to them as often, so I’m forced to call, check in, and beg someone else to drop off or pick up what's needed. It’s surprisingly been less stressful. 

What’s most rewarding is the extra time I have for prayer. If I can’t move much, I can always pray. I’m not rushing my prayer routine. I can talk to God more, contemplate, pray more deeply, and quietly listen to His Voice. 

Gratitude 

I could take this differently. I could stress and yell and bark orders, but I see my family adjust. My husband comes home in the morning, changes, and gets ready to drive me or my parents to an appointment. How can I be anything but grateful? He does so much. 

My kids have their own lives, but they pause to help (in their own time, but they do it). My son and daughter both drive me. They’ve cleaned up the snow. Even the little guy is my little errand boy when I need something across the room. 

I spend more time in gratitude and less in stress. 

Don’t Wait to Slow Down 

I’m forced to slow down now, but really I had the ability all the time. My work is still getting done. The chores are (mostly) getting done. The house still stands and everyone’s doing fine. I had no reason to go the pace I usually go. Turns out I always had time to read, prayer better, and connect with those I love. The time was there; I just rushed through it of my own accord. 

Maybe we need to start our days with a slower breath, asking God to guide our time and help us to not miss opportunities due to stressing or rushing. Maybe when I’m back on both feet and driving, I’ll take the time to slow down and be in the moment. 

Our lives are so busy. Don’t miss the important moments and try not to wait for life to force you to slow down.  

Breathe. You got this, mama. 

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Copyright 2026 Caroline Godin
Images: Canva