An Introduction to Slow Living: Finding Joy in the Pause

Do you ever feel like life is moving too fast? Like your days are so full of commitments and noise that you hardly have time to breathe, let alone enjoy the small, beautiful things around you? That's exactly where I found myself not long ago; always saying yes, overcommitting, and filling my schedule with things that, in the long run, didn't really matter.

I used to serve on every committee I was asked to join, even when it meant staying late at the office and giving away hours I should have been putting into my own business. I volunteered for organizations I cared about, but not always in ways that fit my time or energy. And I always made sure to follow those little "rules of society", the ones that say you should always be busy, always be available, and always keep up appearances, even as I started to realize they weren't really serving me. (Spoiler Alert: as an adult, nobody is handing out gold stars for attending the most meetings).

Eventually, I hit a point where I knew something had to give. That's when I stumbled across the idea of "slow living", a concept that gave me permission to stop chasing every obligation and start asking a much simpler question: what actually matters to me?

Discovering Slow Living

I first came across the concept of slow living through a handful of YouTubers who shared their routines and philosophies about living with intention. The idea stopped me in my tracks: what if I could be more mindful about the choices I was making in my own life? What if I could better direct my time, my energy, and even the shape of my days? What if I could redesign my life and home so that more of my effort went towards the things that actually bring me joy and value?

Since then, I've picked up several books on the subject, and along the way, I've discovered a lot about myself. I've gained clarity on the things I truly want to welcome into my life, the type of people I want to share my energy with, and the boundaries I need to set to protect my own peace. Slow living has reminded me that I don't have to say yes to everything, and that my time and energy are far too precious to give away to the things that drain me.

What Slow Living Looks Like for Me

For me, slow living is really about intentionality. It's about ensuring that everything I schedule on my calendar is something that truly fills my cup, something that brings joy, value, or meaning to my life. The same goes for my home; I want the things around me to either serve a purpose or spark happiness. Even my cat makes the cut. Sure, he demands endless energy, constant attention, and seems to be plotting my murder at least once a week... but the joy he brings makes it all worth it.

That kind of intentionality might look like stepping out onto my balcony in the morning with a warm cup of coffee, tending to my little garden while leaving my phone inside. It's a quiet ritual that sets the tone for the day, one where I don't immediately invite in screen time or news.

It also means being fully present in everyday moments: savoring meals instead of mindlessly eating in front of the TV, noticing the small joys in my surroundings, or moving more slowly through tasks I used to rush. These simple shifts have become almost meditative, and I find that by embracing them, I feel less stressed and more grounded than ever before.

Why Slow Living Matters

Slow living doesn't mean doing less just for the sake of it. It means making space for what actually matters to you, whether that's going back to school, pursuing a passion like gardening, or simply protecting your peace. Choosing to live more slowly is really about giving yourself permission to align your time and energy with your values.

"Intentional days create a life on purpose" - Adrienne Enns

For me, that shift has been transformative. I've become more present in my daily life, and I've also created space for things I really wanted to do, such as becoming a Master Gardener, returning to school, and building this blog. Two years ago, I would have said yes to every request out of pressure to please others. Now I've learned to turn down commitments that don't serve me. The result? More time in my day, more focus in my work, and more energy for the passions that truly light me up.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning of my journey with slow living, and I'm excited to keep sharing as I learn. In the months ahead, I will be diving deeper into practical tips, seasonal rhythms, and simple ways to bring more intention into your own daily routine.

If you've ever felt stretched thin or overwhelmed, perhaps slow living is something worth exploring for yourself as well. Start small: choose one part of your day to experience more mindfulness. Maybe it's your commute. Instead of rushing through, leave 5-10 minutes earlier each day, take your time, and notice the little details that shift from day to day. Or maybe it's your meals - step away from the TV, sit at the table, and savor each bite. By letting go of what no longer serves you and being more present in what does, you'll start to feel the difference slow living can bring.

So, here's my challenge to you: take a closer look at your daily routine this week. Find one thing you do out of habit or obligation that no longer brings you joy, and give yourself permission to let it go.

This is a journey we can take together, and I'd love for you to come along. Be sure to follow the blog on social media or subscribe to my newsletter so you don't miss out on future posts, and we can continue working together to find new ways to slow down, simplify, and savor the season side by side. 🌿