Microwave Generation
Are you a thinker — someone who likes to plan things out and consider every angle?
Or do you find yourself wanting answers right now — quick, clear, and done yesterday?
I once read that we live in a microwave generation — a world that craves instant results in 30 seconds or less. And honestly, I think that’s spot on.
Be impatient with your actions and patient with your results…. James Clear
Do you find you notice impatience around every corner?
- Driving to work – people tailgating
- The grocery store – in line waiting to pay
- Watching TV – too long or too many commercials
- Travel – plane or train delays
- Your child or spouse telling a story – counting breaths trying to hurry them up
Have you noticed any of these habits in yourself? I know I have — not just one or two, but all of them. Honestly, it’s a little sad… and maybe even a bit embarrassing.
What happened to those “good old days”? The days when we took our time getting to work, stopped to chat with friendly faces at the store, truly soaked in each moment of a trip, and listened — really listened — to the stories of the people we love?
With so much available at our fingertips, it’s no wonder we’ve become a little spoiled. We can find any answer in seconds, and when that tiny loading circle spins on our screen, it somehow feels like an eternity. Our smartphones deliver instant updates, Amazon brings what we “need” to our door within a day, and fast-food options line every corner — making dinner choices quick… but not exactly healthy.
Even conversations have changed. What used to be a phone call or chat over coffee has been replaced with a quick text. This fast-paced, microwave generation seems to be losing the art of real, face-to-face connection. And if you’ve ever interviewed someone from this instant world, you might know how disheartening that can feel.
So how do we change this head-shaking behaviour?
After doing a little reading, I’ve come across a few simple (and surprisingly effective) ways we can start shifting toward a slow-cooker society.
Side note: For anyone missing the joke — the microwave gets things done fast, while the slow cooker takes its time… and that’s exactly the point.
How to Live a Slow-Cooker Life
1. Learn to Breathe
Take slow, intentional breaths. Inhale deeply, exhale gently. It’s amazing how something so simple can lower your blood pressure, quiet your thoughts, and calm your spirit.
2. Resist the Instant Answer
Before reaching for your phone, pause. Let your brain do the work. Think it through, brainstorm with a friend, or tap into your own amazing memory bank before turning to Google. You’ll be surprised how satisfying it feels to remember something on your own. My husband is excellent at this approach.
3. Get Comfortable Being Bored
It’s okay to be still. Let yourself get bored once in a while. Boredom can actually be the birthplace of creativity — where hobbies are born, ideas grow, and dreams start to take shape.
4. Start Something Slow
Pick up a craft, puzzle, or hobby that takes time and patience. The process of piecing things together (literally or figuratively) helps break that constant “instant results” mindset and reminds you that good things take time. Fall is a great time for that – I love puzzles and that hobby of mine has already begun for the season.
5. Rise a Little Earlier
Set your alarm just 30 minutes earlier. Those extra quiet moments can completely change your morning — giving you space to breathe, move slowly, and maybe even read a great devotional before the day begins. Here’s a link to a fabulous one: Stillness In the Chaos.
6. Move Your Body
Regular exercise (at least three times a week) can calm your mind, lower your blood pressure, and reduce stress — all of which help ease that urge to rush through life. A peaceful body often leads to a patient heart. Here’s a great fitness app where you can find a magnitude of workouts to choose from – FITON.
So, as you go about your day, remember — you don’t have to turn into a slow, pokey sloth. Just be mindful of your impulses and actions. Notice the moments when impatience sneaks in. That simple awareness is the first step toward slowing down — transforming yourself from part of the microwave generation into a member of the slow-cooker society.
Living a slow-cooker life doesn’t mean you stop being productive — it means you start being present. When we pause long enough to breathe, think, and listen, we begin to notice the beauty tucked inside the small, ordinary moments. Life isn’t meant to be microwaved — it’s meant to be savored, one patient, flavorful moment at a time.
Aside: Now that I’ve talked about a slow-cooker life, I feel inspired to find a great slow-cooker recipe for my next meal. Something that fills my home up with a savory delicious scent and warms the insides of my appreciative family.
