Learning to Slow Down, by Sarina Sydney

We have asked Indigenous youth across the Yukon, NWT and Northern BC to use our RV Seeds as inspiration as RV Guest Blog Writers. Sarina is writing about Seed #4: Slow Down as her blog theme. If you are interested in sharing your story, please apply here.

Hi, I’m Sarina.

I’m a proud Yukon First Nations woman who believes in finding meaning in both life’s hardest moments and its happiest ones. This blog is where I share my journey through mental health, healing, burnout, personal growth, and everything in between—with honesty, vulnerability, and a little humour along the way.

Outside of writing, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, binge-watching anime, rewatching my favourite movies, or getting lost in a good TV series. Whether I’m reflecting on life’s challenges or celebrating small victories, my hope is that this space reminds you that healing isn’t a straight line and that none of us have to walk it alone. Thanks for being here.

If someone had asked me a few years ago what I thought about slowing down, I probably would have laughed. I have always been the type of person who stays busy. Between work, family, community responsibilities, volunteering, and pursuing new opportunities, there always seems to be something that needs my attention.

For a long time, I believed that being busy meant I was being productive and successful.

Over the past year, however, I have learned that constantly moving can come at a cost. There were times when I felt mentally exhausted, overwhelmed, and unmotivated. Even though I was getting things done, I wasn’t always taking care of myself. I found myself worrying about the next task before I had even finished the current one.

Learning to slow down has not been easy.

I am someone who cares deeply about helping others and making a difference in my community. When opportunities come up, my first instinct is to say yes. Whether it is supporting family, helping youth, applying for new positions, or taking on community projects, I want to be involved. The challenge is remembering that I cannot pour from an empty cup.

One thing I have learned is that slowing down does not mean giving up on my goals. It simply means creating space to breathe. Sometimes slowing down looks like taking a walk, watching a favorite show, spending time with family, or allowing myself a quiet evening without feeling guilty about it. These moments help me recharge so I can show up as the best version of myself.

When I slow down, I notice things I would normally miss.

I am more present in conversations, more patient with myself, and better able to appreciate the small moments in life. Instead of constantly focusing on what comes next, I can enjoy where I am right now.

Slowing down has taught me that rest is not a reward that must be earned. It is a necessity.

We live in a world that often celebrates being busy, but I am learning that there is also strength in knowing when to pause. By slowing down, I am not falling behind. I am taking care of myself so I can continue moving forward in a healthy and meaningful way.

The journey is still ongoing, and I do not always get it right. There are days when I take on too much or forget to give myself a break.

But each time I choose to slow down, even for a moment, I am reminded that life is not just about reaching the next destination. It is also about appreciating the journey along the way.