The Art of Slowing Down: Why a Simpler Life Can Bring More Joy
In today’s world, it’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle. We’re always chasing the next big thing—more money, more success, more stuff. But somewhere along the way, many of us start to wonder: Is this really what life is all about? That question started floating around in my own heart a few years ago, and I finally decided to stop ignoring it.
This post isn’t about a product or a place. It’s about a feeling. A shift. A change in how we view time, success, and peace. It’s about choosing to live life on your own terms—even if that means slowing down while the rest of the world races ahead.
Let me take you back.
Where It All Began
I used to be the definition of busy. Every day was planned out, packed from sunrise to bedtime. Between teaching, taking care of my family, managing our ranch, helping with the grandkids, running errands, cleaning, cooking, and trying to keep up with social media—it felt like I was in a constant state of motion. You could say I was surviving, not thriving.
But one evening, after everyone had gone to bed, I sat alone on the porch with a cup of tea. The stars were out, the air was still, and everything was quiet. In that moment, I realized how long it had been since I had really been present. Not distracted, not rushing—just still. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt truly connected to myself, my surroundings, or even my purpose.
That night changed me.
The First Steps to a Slower Life
Now, let me be clear: slowing down doesn’t mean doing nothing. It doesn’t mean quitting your job, selling all your things, or abandoning your responsibilities. What it means is intention. Living with purpose. Creating space for what actually matters and learning to let go of what doesn’t.
For me, it started with small changes.
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I started waking up a little earlier—not to get more done, but to enjoy the morning. Coffee tastes better when you’re not gulping it down on the way out the door.
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I started saying “no” more often. That one was hard. But learning to protect my time was a game changer.
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I began setting aside time each day to just be. Whether it was sitting outside, journaling, or taking a slow walk—I made it a habit to enjoy the moment.
And guess what? The world didn’t fall apart. My to-do list didn’t explode. In fact, everything started to feel a little more manageable. And a whole lot more joyful.
Rediscovering the Beauty of Ordinary Moments
We live in a society that celebrates big wins and fast results. But the most beautiful parts of life aren’t usually loud or flashy. They’re found in the little things:
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Watching the chickens scratch around the yard
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Sitting on the porch swing with my husband after dinner
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Hearing my grandkids laugh in the other room
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Watching the sunrise before anyone else is awake
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Lighting a candle and playing soft music while folding laundry
It’s these moments—simple, peaceful, quiet—that fill up the soul.
You don’t have to go looking far for happiness. Most of the time, it’s already around you. You just need to slow down enough to notice it.
Creating a Home That Reflects Peace
One of the biggest parts of slowing down was changing the environment around me. Our home is our safe space—it should bring comfort, not stress.
I started decluttering, one room at a time. I wasn’t aiming for perfection. I just wanted to remove the noise. I donated things we didn’t need and rearranged spaces to feel more open. I brought in more plants, swapped out bright lights for warm lamps, and added cozy blankets where we gather most.
Now, when I walk into our home, I feel calm. It feels lived in, loved, and peaceful. That feeling matters more to me than any fancy furniture ever could.
Learning to Listen Again
Something else I noticed when I slowed down: I became a better listener. Not just to others—but to myself. I started noticing when I felt overwhelmed. I paid attention to when I needed rest. I gave myself permission to take breaks, to sit down in the middle of a messy kitchen, and to not feel guilty about it.
This change also helped me listen better to my husband, my kids, my friends. I wasn’t distracted when they spoke—I was present. And that presence deepened every relationship in my life.
Letting Go of Comparison
One of the sneakiest joy-stealers is comparison. It’s easy to look at social media or other people’s lives and feel like you’re falling behind. But when you slow down, you start to realize how much of that pressure is made up.
Someone else’s path isn’t yours. Their goals don’t have to be yours. Their version of success might not bring you happiness. And that’s okay.
Living a slower life helped me appreciate my life. It helped me stop measuring myself against others and start measuring by the things that truly matter—peace, love, contentment, connection.
A Life That Feels Full—Not Just Busy
We only get one life. And while it’s tempting to fill it to the brim with obligations, activities, and stuff—we don’t have to. You’re allowed to live differently. You’re allowed to create a life that feels good on the inside, even if it looks simple on the outside.
In fact, I’ve found that simple is often where the magic lives.
So today, I invite you to take a deep breath. Look around. Ask yourself:
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What is bringing me joy?
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What is draining my energy?
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What can I let go of?
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Where can I make room for peace?
It doesn’t take a big life change to begin. Just a choice. One small shift, repeated daily, can change everything.
Final Thoughts
Slowing down isn’t always easy, especially when everything around you is moving fast. But it’s worth it. Because life isn’t about how much we can do—it’s about how fully we can live.
So here’s to mornings with no rush. To meals eaten at the table, not in the car. To time spent with the ones we love. To homes filled with laughter and rooms filled with light. To walks without a destination and afternoons without a schedule.
Here’s to the art of slowing down. May we all find the courage to live a life that’s less about the hustle—and more about the heart.
