April 15, 2025
In a world that seems to spin faster every day — deadlines, notifications, endless to-do lists — I’ve found myself craving something softer, quieter, more intentional. That’s where slow living comes in. It’s not just about doing less (although sometimes, that’s a beautiful start). It’s about doing things with purpose — savoring the small stuff and letting go of the constant rush.
What Is Slow Living, Really?
Slow living isn’t about laziness or giving up ambition. It’s about creating space — in your day, your home, and your mind — to truly be. It’s noticing the way morning light hits your kitchen counter, or how your coffee smells before the world wakes up. It’s choosing presence over productivity, and meaning over multitasking.
To me, it’s also about gently questioning the pace I’ve been told I should live at, and asking: What actually feels good? What nourishes me?
Why I Started Slowing Down
I didn’t always live slowly. I used to wear “busy” like a badge of honor — cramming every moment with tasks and calling it success. But eventually, I realized I wasn’t truly living any of it. Life was moving so fast, I was missing it.
So I started small. I set my phone aside during meals. I started walking more and driving less. I spent more time making meals from scratch, not for performance, but for peace. And slowly, everything started to shift.
Little Ways to Invite Slow Living Into Your Day
You don’t have to move to a cabin in the woods or delete all your apps to start living slower (unless you want to — in which case, go you!). Here are a few gentle ways to welcome slowness into your daily rhythm:
- Start your mornings unplugged. Even just 10 minutes of tech-free time can change the tone of your day.
- Make one thing with your hands. Cook, knit, paint, journal. Let it be imperfect and slow.
- Savor your routines. Instead of rushing through them, treat them like rituals. Light a candle. Play soft music.
- Say no (kindly). Your time is precious. Spend it where your soul feels most at home.
The Beauty of Enough
Slow living reminds us that we don’t have to do all the things to live a full life. Sometimes, the fullest days are the quietest ones — the ones with deep breaths, belly laughs, and a warm mug held with both hands.
So here’s your gentle permission slip: you’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to live at your own rhythm, even if the world says otherwise.
You don’t have to earn your peace.
You just have to choose it.
With love (and lots of deep breaths),
Sarah