How I Was Forced To Speak Really Slowly? Universe Does Work In Wonderful Ways...

I have always been in a hurry - not sure why? Even as a kid, I was in a hurry to read books, finish homework, and play. There were times when I was content biking on the sidewalks in the noon sun, much to mom’s chagrin, but they had nothing to do with my need for speed. So, one symptom of the need for speed is speaking too fast. It’s like my mouth wants to keep up with the rate at which my brain processes thoughts and ideas.

I remember in school - we used to read chapters from our history book, and one time my teacher asked me to read so that we could finish the chapter faster. Somehow, my close friends and family adapted to my fast pace, and I never thought it was a big issue. Yes, there were times when I had to slow down when it was clear the audience wasn’t getting it, but for the most part, I didn’t make any effort. The consistent feedback I got back was: she needs to slow down and bring people along. The speed manifested not only in the manner in which I spoke, but also when I was explaining something that I was very passionate about. And as you can imagine, the audience is trying to catch up while I run a thousand miles per hour. It was pretty annoying and frustrating that people were slow, not my issue. Although I did realise that unless I made an effort, it would be difficult to get things done, as I go up the corporate ladder, my teams must understand what I am trying to do, even if it slows me down.

So, last year I actively started taking pauses in meetings to give people time to catch up and ask questions. It was an improvement for sure, but not a habit - it was more like I have to do this to get things done. And more importantly, the universe did not think that I had slowed enough, and it must be a fundamental lesson for me to master because of what happened when I visited my family in India last year (haha - it’s only 3 days before).

My dad’s left ear has never been fully functional, but as he ages, even his right ear is losing its full strength, so he is wearing hearing aids, despite his desire to avoid them. I got to know more about hearing loss than more people in the last trip - like, you have to grab their attention before speaking to them, as they are focused on doing the current task. And you have to speak clearly and enunciate because they are trying to make associations with what they know. One of my joys in life is talking to my parents - especially to my dad - as we have our own frequency for communicating, whether we’re laughing at silly things, talking about books, or discussing any topic that catches our attention. Now, I have no choice but to speak slowly. And not only talk slowly but make peace with it, as I have to do that every time I talk to my dad. If that wasn’t practice, my father-in-law also has hearing aids, so the universe pulled out all the stops to make sure I spoke slowly. It’s like I am paying for all the past times I spoke so fast, and this time with interest.

The blog is not so much about my speaking slowly but the universe’s fantastic ability to work things out. And, most importantly, always look out for my best interest - teach me the lessons that I need to learn to be the best version of myself. This year, I proudly announce that the universe is my best friend who is looking out for my best interests - whether I see it or not. Whatever happens - happens for the best? So, why not look at the bright side?

What is your relationship with the universe? It’s a friendly universe - don’t believe it, test it.