Some people live life in fast forward. Chasing, planning, sprinting toward what’s next. And I used to be one of them. Then life handed me a slower rhythm. I tried to fight it for years, but as anyone with a progressive condition knows, eventually, you can’t “run” anymore.
It wasn’t by choice, and it wasn’t easy to accept. It took significant events and hard realizations before I finally stepped onto a different path.
For anyone living with a movement disorder, you know what I mean by life in slow motion. This became, and still is, my reality. The way I move, react, and adjust has to be deliberate. Almost in slow motion, or I risk falling.
Don’t get me wrong, I still forget to slow down. And when that happens, I fall. Those impacts (and the bumps and bruises) have become more significant with time. But that’s a story for another day.
At first, “slow motion” felt like something to fight against. A constant reminder that I couldn’t move the way I used to. But somewhere along the way, I realized that slowing down didn’t mean falling behind.
The World Keeps Moving, and So Do I
Living with Ataxia means the simple things take more thought – like walking across a room, reaching for a cup, or getting out of a car. The rhythm of my body doesn’t always match the world around me.
When I move, people sometimes notice. They might not say anything, but I feel it. Most of the time, it’s that split second where they realize something’s “off.” For a long time, I did everything I could to blend in, to move like everyone else. But that gets exhausting and not realistic.
Eventually, I stopped chasing “normal.”
Now I move at my own pace…..slower, steadier, and more deliberate. I’ve learned that moving differently doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’ve adapted. It means you’ve learned to stay present in moments most people rush through.
There’s a strange kind of freedom in that.
Slow Isn’t Weak. It’s Intentional
When you live in slow motion, you start to notice things. Maybe it’s the sound of your own breath, the weight of your steps, or the way your body adjusts to keep balance.
And the small victories start to mean more: walking without constantly holding a rail, standing a little taller than yesterday, etc.
The world doesn’t reward slowness, but maybe it should. Because slowing down forces you to pay attention. Attention to your body, your limits, and your resilience. It makes you grateful for every step that still belongs to you.
Progress doesn’t have to be fast to be real.
The Story Behind the Shirt
That’s what inspired the Life in Slow Motion collection… a design born from this mindset.
It’s more than a phrase printed on a shirt. It’s a reminder that we don’t all move at the same pace, and that’s okay. Whether you’re living with Ataxia, another rare condition, or just feeling the weight of a world that moves too fast, this message is for you.
And because I was born in 1972, I wanted a modern take on a ’70s retro design — clean, simple, and timeless. Every element in the design has meaning.
Slower doesn’t mean you’re standing still. It means you’re moving with meaning.
Check out the design and let me know what you think: Life in Slow Motion Tee
(Read more about my journey with Ataxia and how it shaped InspireThread in Ataxia Awareness: A Journey of Moments.)
Finding Strength in Stillness
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that “different” isn’t less, it’s just different.
Life in slow motion teaches patience, awareness, and humility. It turns frustration into gratitude and motion into mindfulness.
So wherever you are, whether you’re walking, rolling, resting, or just trying to stay upright….keep moving.
Your rhythm matters.
Keep Moving Forward
Moving differently doesn’t mean stopping. It means finding a new rhythm and learning to trust it. Every day brings small victories that most people never see, and that’s what makes them matter even more.
Keep showing up, keep adapting, and keep moving forward in your own way.
Explore the new long-sleeve “Life in Slow Motion” tee shirt. Apparel designed to inspire awareness, connection, and strength in every step.
Share your thoughts and/or comments and join our community today – a place where we empower you to build a healthy lifestyle and raise overdue Ataxia Awareness. Experience transformative storytelling and share your story to inspire positive change.
And explore the different awareness products on InspireThread Shop. **Remember, a portion of every sale goes to research (R&D).
Leonard Cohen has a fabulous song on going slow that you would love. His song 🎶 is called “Slow.” It makes going slower, desirable and sexy!
Thanks Franke!
Hi Michael, I relate so well to your comments as a person with Ataxia. It is sometimes the emotional part that is hard, to keep saying “Its ok” and striving forwards, overcoming constant clumsiness e.g. in the kitchen and moving items. Being familiar with changes such as poor sleep the night before and the effects it may have, a new room layout at work. etc.
I have gained from your explanations and I relate to the slowing down which comes with benefits as you noted, I appreciate many things more than pre Ataxia (which was five years ago).
I will look out for further content. For the moment, many thanks and to a good 2026, Keith
Hi Keith – thanks so much for taking the time to write this. What you shared about the emotional side really resonates with me, too. The constant “it’s ok” can be more exhausting than people realize, especially when the small, everyday things quietly add up.
I’m glad the idea of slowing down landed for you, and I really appreciate how you framed it – not as something chosen, but something that still brings unexpected perspective and appreciation. That balance is hard to put into words, and you captured it well.
Thanks again for reading and for sharing your experience. Wishing you a good 2026 as well.