Walk A Little Slower
the poem that inspired the collection
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My name is Tanner Olson and I am an author, poet, and speaker. Here I share whatever comes to mind. Often I’ll post a prayer or poem or reflection or story. Before you move onto the next thing hit the subscribe button! Thanks for being here.
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WALK A LITTLE SLOWER
In 2021 I released a collection of poems and other words titled, Walk A Little Slower. It also happens to be the opening poem of the book. I’ve been saying and sharing those four words ever since. Words I need to hear on a daily basis.
I wrote this particular piece as the world was returning to normal after the Pandemic.
The Pandemic certainly changed me, but it about destroyed me. During the long days, weeks, and months of Covid I ran myself into the ground as I tried to keep my dream of being a writer alive. You see, 6 months before the Pandemic began I took a leap of faith and became a full-time writer, poet, and speaker. I left my full-time job and steady paycheck for the unknown. Now was my time to travel the country, share poetry and deliver messages of hope. I had filled my calendar with speaking events, poetry readings, and classroom visits. My confidence and excitement was building as I was beginning to find my way as an independent artist, writer, and speaker.
But when the Pandemic shut down in-person gatherings, my work went away.
Just like that.
Everything was cancelled.
My full calendar was now empty.
Over the next few months I did anything but walk a little slower.
Fear set in.
I freaked out as I pivoted, doing whatever I could to continue what I set out to do 6 months earlier. I’d wake up before the sun to write as I attempted to keep my dream of being a writer alive. Morning after morning and night after night I would pull open my computer to put words down, praying that I could offer the world a little hope. I did my best to fight the worries and lies that lived inside my head, but they were loud and incessant. Worrying became a new hobby. One I excelled at. I grew weary, uncertain as to how long the road ahead was.
And it was a long road.
One I wish I had walked a little slower.
That’s where this poem came from.
Looking back has helped me see how I want to move forward.
And I want to move forward slowly.
Read below.
Listen to the poem wherever you stream music. Search for Written to Speak.
I think today I'll walk a little slower and breathe a little deeper.
I’ll leave my phone face down, inside, and
give my eyes a rest to see beauty beyond a screen.
I’ll grab a light jacket so I can still feel the cold wind, hold your hand until it gets sweaty, and I'll let go, but I'll never let go.
I’ll walk below and between shadows, cut through the field, cross the street when the cars clear.
Today I want to find myself beneath the limbs of the trees and later on below a few million stars.
Maybe we’ll see a dog or bump into old friends or both.
I’m not counting steps or miles, but I'm just walking because for now . . .
I can.
And I don't know what the future holds, if my days left are long or short or, well, you get it. Maybe grief is around the corner or a missed call on my face-down phone back inside.
Maybe there is good news in my inbox or a miracle waiting in the welcome of next month.
In the morning, I’ll sit a little longer and drink a little deeper.
I’ll watch the light make its way through the dark morning.
The light always finds a way.
And I’ll remind myself life won’t always look the way it does.
Change is coming, and it might even be here.
I’ll remember the steps forward and the steps back that led me to where I am and before I begin to move these feet once again, I’ll slowly breathe in grace and exhale peace, knowing that every piece of me is here to be.
And whatever may become, well, for now,
for now, I’ll walk a little slower and breathe a little deeper.
Because right now, I'm alive.
And everything is okay.
It’s not perfect, and that’s okay.
And that’s what I'm learning to tell myself these days.
Everything is okay.
It’s not perfect, and that’s okay.
A recent review of Walk A Little Slower:
“Your book put me to sleep last night. Like, in a good way. It lowered my anxiety and calmed right down. Slept amazing, bro!” - high school student
Grab a copy of Walk A Little Slower: A Collection of Poems and Other Words
Walk A Little Slower: A Collection of Poems and Other Words is a book of hope, honesty, and joy by Tanner Olson. This collection of more than 60 poems and writings will invite you to slow down, lean in, hold fast, and to keep going. In the midst of the uncertainty and unknown, the already and not yet, the hopes and fears, we can easily forget that life was meant to be enjoyed. Tanner Olson’s writing weaves together faith, questions, humor, and hope as he encourages you to walk a little slower.
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LOVE this one!
Great poem. I want to order your book when I can. Loved these words.