Slow life files are posts where I talk about choosing a simpler life full of small beautiful moments. They are often filled with wonder, joy and peace. Slow living is living an intentional life that is choosing to not over book yourself with projects and productivity. It’s not being lazy , it’s about filling your soul more.

I have been embracing the slow life for many years now and this week I decided to really lean into it. The past month has I have felt that I have been living on adrenaline because we had a horrific ice storm , then a wonderful vacation and returned to a work week filled with more than usual work and stresses.

This week was a big pause for at least three moments a day … Before each meal. I needed a few minutes to breathe. A few minutes to just listen to the neighborhood. Then go deeper and listen to the sounds of birds in spring, the sounds of a century old house. I sat and smelled the smells of spring. I looked for signs of new growth on the plants, animals in the garden and anything new happening in my yard.

I found new growth. I saw new animals traveling through and some making nests for new life. I started to clean away the debris left from winter. I helped haul out our unwanted items from storage to the trash pick up. I saw my home and property with fresh vision.

I am so grateful for the abundance of things I have. The home and little patch of land to maintain are such a blessing. Nature is welcome and part of my slow lifestyle.

I have plans to do some spring cleaning. More decluttering as I go is needed. But spring also brings fresh ideas on how to accomplish this.

I realized that in this cycle I am seeing new growth and healing. My body has been healing from illness and this spring it feels refreshed. I am clearing the old junk and debris from my mind and using fresh ideas to build resilience .

Healing is like a plant sending up new shoots. I have been tending my life with making collages, journaling, sewing, quilting and stitching. Healthy eating, exercise and sleep is a priority. I have let go any real timetables on finishing most projects and let them happen as they unfurl from my mind. I realize I need to stop forcing things to their conclusion because it’s really the process that I enjoy and find the joy of discovery.

I have the privilege of being able to let some of my side hustle go. Is have hired some time saving things in my life to help me with slow living like a food subscription and monthly housekeeping assistance outside of my full time job. It has a short commute and fits my life.

I have more time now to really embrace my chosen life. It’s been over 20 years in the making to slowly and incrementally get here. I am enjoying it so much. The sun is shining and I hope it warms up enough outside the begin my first session of thinning my perennials.

Vicki