There is a common misconception around the idea of living a slower and more intentional life, that it’s easier, not necessarily and not often!
Living a more simple and authentic life means doing less, yes, but it means the things you choose are done with more intention, the result is often (for me anyway) that these things you choose to embrace take more time, but they serve you better.
You strip the unfulfilling things away and that opens space in your heart and in your life, but it takes effort emotionally and practically. It’s kind of the point!
To create this authentic and simple life start with just one area. Identify something that may bring convenience but no longer aligns with the life you want to live. It could be simply owning less, de-cluttering your home can be so liberating. Involve your children in the process of really thinking about the items you own and what they truly serve.
Then moving forward, buy less and from local businesses and makers as much as possible. By buying less, local and with intention you will inevitably own things that last and mean more. Such a gift to your children and a middle finger to capitalism!
Less unfulfilling screen time. This doesn’t mean taking away everything, start with 1 screen free day, morning or afternoon, whatever feels like a realistic start. Allow yourself the uncomfortable feeling and replace that with something self nourishing. Try my retreat day at home or simply fill that time with a book or craft.
How can you simplify your daily routines?
By owning less you may have less cleaning which is great! Create a schedule and delegate tasks where possible and age appropriate.
More importantly, food! How can you simplify and create more intention around mealtimes?
Can you embrace baking instead of convenience treats? Maybe switching your drinking water to local spring water? For mealtimes eat a more traditional and whole foods based diet, plan your meals in advance to reduce food waste. My small rebellion at the moment is baking my own bread and churning my own butter from local cream. It may not seem like much but it’s very satisfying to me.
Schedule your appointments and activities with thought to avoid overwhelm. Before adding to your week or agreeing to an appointment or engagement take time, feel into it and resist the urge to fill up all of your time with activity. Resist the programmed urge to feel constantly ‘productive’. Get used to saying no to what doesn’t serve you and take this important sentence in “If I’m busy doing nothing and being with myself then I’m busy. No thing is something to me”
Create authentic connection and community. Embrace experiences over stuff.
Join a women’s group or mothers group that aligns with what your heart needs and craves. If what you need doesn’t exist, create it! The village of today exists, it looks different from the village of old, it may be built from a mix of online spaces and in person, paid support, family, friends and community but it still exists and is waiting to be reclaimed.
Support your community and celebrate the people in your life that value you. Live slower and with meaning, it’s not always easy, it can feel and look a little messy from the outside but you deserve it so give yourself and your loves this rebellious gift of slow intention.
