Why I stopped trying to have a perfect slow life

Let’s talk about something wildly underrated: rest. Real rest. Not the kind you cram into the five minutes before a Zoom call or the kind you feel guilty for taking because your inbox is overflowing. I’m talking about deep, intentional rest, the kind that only comes when you decide to do less. Not once. Not just on Sundays. But as a way of living.I used to think rest was something you earned. Like a prize for making it to the end of your to-do list (spoiler: that list never ends). I measured my worth in how productive I was, how many balls I could keep in the air, how often I could say “I’m so busy” with pride. If I wasn’t exhausted, was I even trying?You probably know how this story goes: burnout came knocking. Not once, but repeatedly. Each time more insistent, more draining. I’d built a life that looked good on paper but felt awful to live inside of. It was all noise and motion and achievement, yet I was rarely present. Rarely rested. Rarely me.Eventually, I reached a point where I realised something had to change. I could no longer pretend that pushing through was sustainable. That always being available, always saying yes, always “making it work” was healthy or heroic. I had to do less. And not just temporarily. Permanently.The Glorification of BusyWe live in a culture that celebrates being busy as a badge of honour. Productivity is treated like morality, like the more you do, the more you’re worth. Rest, on the other hand, is often dismissed as laziness or indulgence. Even when we do rest, we’re expected to make it look productive: meditate with an app, stretch while listening to a podcast, journal our gratitude list while lighting the perfect candle.But here’s the hard truth:* You can’t heal your exhaustion with more output.* You can’t find stillness by constantly chasing it.* And you can’t live intentionally when your life is dictated by everyone else’s urgency.We are bombarded with messages to hustle, scale, grow, and maximise. But what if the real work is in slowing down, scaling back, and learning to be instead of do? What if the bravest thing we can do is opt out of the race altogether?Doing less is not failure. It’s wisdom. It’s recognising that your energy is not infinite, and your life is not a project to optimise.What Doing Less Really MeansDoing less doesn’t mean abandoning your responsibilities or opting out of life. It means becoming discerning. It means creating space, not just in your calendar but in your mind. It means letting go of what drains you and making more room for what nourishes you.To me, doing less means:* Saying no to things that don’t align with my values, even if I could technically “fit them in.”* Not filling every gap in my day with noise or scrolling or productivity.* Choosing quality over quantity—in conversations, in work, in how I show up for the people I love.* Allowing slowness, even when urgency feels like the default.This work is uncomfortable, especially at first. Slowing down brings up things we’ve long ignored. The fears we’ve buried under busyness. The questions we’ve avoided by staying distracted. But once the dust settles? What’s left is a life that feels rooted and real.My Journey to RestLike so many others, the pandemic was my reckoning. When everything came to a standstill, I finally saw how exhausted I was. How performative my life had become. How disconnected I felt from the version of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and womanhood I was trying to maintain.The pause was uncomfortable, yes. But it was also illuminating. Without all the noise, I could hear myself again. And I didn’t like what I heard at first. I was tired. I was unfulfilled. I was running a life that didn’t reflect my values.So I began to let go. Slowly. Imperfectly. I gave myself permission to stop trying so hard. To rest without earning it. To stop equating success with being “on” all the time.Now, rest is no longer a reward I grant myself for surviving the chaos. It’s a foundation I build my days on. It’s in how I work, how I mother, how I simply exist.Slowness isn’t something I slip into when I have a break. It’s the frame through which I view everything now.Rhythms of Everyday RestRest doesn’t have to be grand or Instagram-worthy. It’s often quiet. Unseen. Unshared. It’s saying no to a commitment that drains you. It’s a slow cup of tea without your phone in hand. It’s going to bed earlier, not because you’re old or boring, but because you respect your body enough to let it recharge.Here are a few small ways I intentionally weave rest into my days:* I leave space between tasks instead of back-to-backing my day.* I let myself sit without a podcast or distraction, just breathing.* I cook slowly, not to impress, but to nourish.* I put my phone in another room when I rest, because I know it steals more energy than it gives.* I choose one big thing to do in a day instead of five, and I let that be enough.These are small acts, but together they change the entire tone of my life.A Change of Pace for the PodcastAs part of walking my talk, I’ve decided to shift the podcast to a fortnightly schedule this summer. Instead of weekly episodes, you’ll hear from me every other week.This isn’t about stepping back. It’s about stepping in. Deeper into my values. Deeper into the slower rhythms that summer invites. I want to enjoy this season, not just plough through it. I want to sit in the garden with my children. To watch the light change. To live the slower life I talk so much about.The podcast will still bring you intentional, meaningful conversations. But they’ll come with more space around them. And hopefully, that space becomes something you feel too, a nudge to create breathing room in your own life.The Radical Act of RestingIn a world that thrives on speed, choosing slowness is radical. Choosing to rest not when you’re broken, but before, is an act of rebellion.You don’t need to be on the brink to take a break. You don’t need to do it all before you can do nothing. You don’t need to earn your peace.You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to stop. You are allowed to be.So this summer, I hope you’ll make space. Not because it’s productive. Not because you’re preparing for something big. But because your soul is worthy of quiet. Of stillness. Of enoughness that isn’t measured in checklists.Here’s to naps in the sun. To unfinished to-do lists. To slow dinners and long conversations. To choosing less, and finding so much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

There’s a particular kind of magic that settles over the world this time of year. Maybe you’ve felt it too, that gentle call to exhale, to let things soften a little. To stop chasing the next thing and instead linger in the moment, barefoot in the garden with dirt under your nails and absolutely no idea where your phone is (and honestly, not caring either).Summer has its own rhythm. She doesn’t rush. She unfurls. She shows up unapologetically, sun-kissed, slightly overgrown, humming with bees and possibility. And every year, I find myself needing to answer her invitation again. To slow down. To live with less noise. To breathe more deeply.And if I’m honest, this year more than ever, I need that exhale.Walking the Walk (Even When It Feels Uncomfortable)I talk a lot on the podcast, here on Substack, on Instagram, about slow living, simple living, seasonal living. I share practical ways to strip back the chaos, to live more intentionally, to reconnect with rhythms that feel more human and less machine.But here's the thing: sharing about slow living is not the same as actually living it.I’ve had to sit with that recently. Because while I believe deeply in everything I write and teach and podcast about… I can also be incredibly good at staying busy in service of slowness. Isn’t that wild? I can fill my calendar with things that all “support” my values and still end up frazzled, overstretched, and a little bit disconnected from the very life I’m advocating for.So this summer, I’m choosing to walk the walk. For real. Which means creating more space in my schedule and energy. Saying no, kindly but firmly. Letting some things rest. Including, most notably: the podcast.🎙️ A Gentle Shift: What’s Happening With the PodcastStarting this month, The Slow Living Collective Podcast will be moving to an every-other-week rhythm for summer. No big drama. No huge announcement. Just a quiet recalibration to match the season.This isn’t about burnout. It’s not about stepping away.It’s about alignment.It’s about recognising that slow living isn’t a marketing message. It’s a lived experience and one I want to fully step into over these next few months. The podcast is still a core part of my work, and I’ll continue showing up there with love and thoughtfulness. But with more space. More intention. More… summer.Think of it like this: the podcast is taking a long, luxurious exhale just like the rest of me.What This Actually Means (And What It Doesn’t)It doesn’t mean I’m disappearing.It doesn’t mean the podcast is any less valuable to me or to you.It doesn’t mean you’ll stop getting thoughtful, heartfelt, seasonal content.It does mean that I’m choosing to let things breathe.It does mean that I’m putting my values into practice, even when it’s a bit uncomfortable.It does mean that I’m honouring this season, both literally and metaphorically, and giving myself space to feel it fully.And maybe, it’s an invitation for you too.Slowing Down With MeI think so many of us are tired of being told to go faster. To do more. To produce, perform, and push through no matter the cost. But the cost is real, isn’t it? Exhaustion. Disconnection. That foggy, always on feeling that leaves us wondering when life will actually feel like ours again.Slowness is not the enemy of success.It’s the soil from which meaningful, sustainable, joy filled lives grow.So this summer, I’m giving myself permission to rest more. To be outside more. To put my feet in the grass and my face in the sun. To write when inspiration strikes, not because there’s a deadline looming. To read books that aren’t “productive.” To eat tomatoes warm from the vine on my balcony. To notice. To live.Maybe you’re craving that too.So here’s your permission, if you need one.To listen to fewer things.To unsubscribe from urgency.To let some things be undone.To say, “That can wait.”Because here’s the truth: the world will keep spinning whether you respond to that email or not. And in the meantime? There’s a whole summer waiting for you. Sunlight through trees. Sand between your toes. Cold drinks, warm friends, long dinners that stretch lazily into the evening. A slower, simpler, softer version of life that’s not just possible but available, right now, if we let it be.What You Can Expect (And a Few Teasers)On the podcast: A new episode every other week, filled with the same thoughtful, grounded reflections you’ve come to expectvjust delivered at a slower, more nourishing pace. I’m actually excited to go deeper, not wider, with the stories I share.Here on Substack: I’ll still be writing regularly. Some longer essays, some short seasonal notes, and maybe the occasional behind-the-scenes of what slow living actually looks like with a home-educating household and a second-floor balcony garden.And behind the scenes? I’m dreaming into future offerings that support slow, small-space living, slow business, and the ongoing unraveling of hustle culture.But for now… I’m sinking into the slowness.And I hope you will too.P.S. If you’ve been feeling the itch to slow down but needed someone to go first, consider this your sign. I’m with you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

When I look around online all I ever see is the traditional depiction of a homestead. People living in the countryside, surrounded by fields, with their own land, maybe some chickens and ample space to grow and live.But let’s be honest, that isn’t the reality for most of us, and the thing is I used to think that was my dream too. Until I actually refocused my vision and focused on where I am at right now. It was then that I realised I have everything I want, that the other influences weren’t actually what I was desiring, and I found so much love and joy in what I already have.When I scroll through my feed or browse the internet, it feels like everywhere I look, I see the same picture-perfect vision of homesteading: people living in the countryside, surrounded by acres of land, fields stretching out as far as the eye can see, chickens clucking happily in the yard, and rows upon rows of produce growing in neat little garden beds. The dream is often painted in soft, idyllic tones, filled with the promise of self-sufficiency, rustic charm, and an idyllic, peaceful life.For a long time, I thought that was my dream too. I imagined the quiet mornings on the porch, the scent of fresh bread, the satisfaction of growing everything I need, and a life deeply rooted in nature. It felt right, like the life I was supposed to live.But here’s the thing: that dream wasn’t my dream at all.Let me explain.The Reality of "Homesteading"I’ve spent a lot of time romanticising the life of a traditional homesteader, imagining myself surrounded by wide open spaces. But in reality, I live in a small, 650 sq. ft. home in a city, with limited space. I don’t have acres of land to grow fruit and veggies. And you know what? I’m okay with that. Actually, more than okay,I’m thriving.You see, there’s something about being constantly exposed to these “ideal” depictions that makes you think they’re the only way. You start believing that unless you have a sprawling farm, you’re somehow missing out, that your life isn’t complete. But what I realised is that the traditional homesteading life isn’t the only path to living simply and intentionally.Refocusing My VisionI had to take a step back. I stopped comparing myself to the “ideal homesteading” narrative and took a good hard look at my own life. And when I did, I saw something different: I have everything I need right where I am.It wasn’t the land or the chickens that I was truly longing (definitely not the chickens, they definitely aren’t for me) for. It was the connection to nature, the rhythm of the seasons, and the joy of slowing down and living intentionally. I wanted a life that was simple, but I realised that simple doesn't have to mean “country living” or a traditional homestead.A Radical Realisation: I Didn’t Want Land (or Chickens)And here’s the part that might raise a few eyebrows in the homesteading world: I didn't want land. I didn’t want a huge garden to tend to, and I definitely didn’t want chickens.Yes, I know. Radical, right? In a world where homesteading is often synonymous with raising animals and owning large property, saying that you don’t want these things can feel like an unpopular opinion. But the truth is, I’ve found that you can live a homesteading inspired life, rooted in simplicity, even if your reality doesn’t match the traditional vision.Finding Joy in What I HaveLiving in a small space, with a modest balcony garden, and a focus on creating a slower, more intentional life has brought me so much joy. I still have my own little corner to grow herbs and vegetables, I make things from scratch, and I’ve learned to embrace the natural rhythms of the seasons, even within my limited space. This is the homesteading lifestyle I’ve come to love: one that’s flexible and real, where it’s not about achieving some perfect image, but about finding joy in the here and now.In truth, I’ve found that the slow, simple, and seasonal life is much more about the mindset and choices we make than the property we own or the animals we raise. It’s about prioritising what matters to us, wherever we are. It’s about living in alignment with nature, rather than striving to match an ideal.Embracing the JourneySo, here I am, living a life that’s far from the traditional homesteading fantasy, and I’m grateful. I’ve learned that the dream doesn’t have to be the same for everyone. We can all create our own versions of what a slow, simple life looks like — no matter how big or small our space is.If you find yourself feeling like you don’t fit the “traditional” homesteading mould, I want to encourage you: You don’t have to. There’s beauty in whatever you’re doing right now, and it’s okay to let go of someone else’s idea of the perfect life. You can create your own, and it will be just as fulfilling. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

If you had asked me a few years ago what my secret to success was, I’d have told you, hands down, that it was productivity. I was obsessed. I mean, who wasn’t? The hustle culture was in full swing, and I bought into it whole heartedly. If I wasn’t ticking things off my to do list, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough, like I wasn’t good enough. Every moment of my day was crammed with tasks, plans, and deadlines. My life was a race, and I was determined to keep running.But here’s the thing: I wasn’t winning the race. In fact, I was burning out. And I was missing out on something I didn’t even realise I had lost – peace.Let’s slow down and journey together through the seasons with simplicity and intention. Subscribe to receive simple musings directly in your inbox. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the natural rhythms that have guided humanity for centuries. With artificial lighting, technology, and a never-ending stream of tasks, we’ve lost touch with the cycles of nature, the changing seasons, the ebb and flow of life that comes with each shift in the weather.Join me for Show Notes & more:Join me on SubstackJoin me on Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

A fair few years ago, I thought I had it all figured out. I’d made a vow to slow down, to simplify, to live intentionally. I was going to build this beautiful, peaceful life where every moment was carefully curated, where every meal was from scratch, every chore was perfectly executed, and every season was embraced in its full, slow living glory.Sounds dreamy, right?But here’s the kicker: trying to create the perfect slow life made me feel anything but slow.It was like I was chasing this ideal, this perfect picture of a slow life that I’d seen on Pinterest and Instagram, thinking that I could somehow embody it in my own life. I wanted to cultivate this utopia of peace, simplicity, and balance. But as much as I tried, the more I was running after this vision, the more stressed I felt.The perfection I was striving for was becoming my own enemy.It wasn’t until I let go of this idea of a perfect slow life that I began to feel the true magic of slowing down. And here’s why…Join me for Show Notes & more:Join me on SubstackJoin me on Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever found yourself breathless at the end of a day, not from running, but from the pace of life itself?When every tick of the clock feels like a deadline, and your to do list doesn’t end, it just replenishes?Join me for Show Notes & more:Join me on SubstackJoin me on Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

I am so excited you’re here today because we are diving into one of my absolute favourite things - growing your own food, even if you’ve only got a tiny space to work with.Now, if you’re thinking, “Yeah, but I don’t have a garden,” let me stop you right there. You don’t need one! For five years, I gardened exclusively on my balcony before I got my allotment, and even now, my little balcony garden is still going strong. I’ve grown just about everything you can imagine: herbs, leafy greens, tomatoes, strawberries, and yes, even potatoes in containers.So today, we’re breaking down how to create a thriving garden in small spaces whether you’ve got a balcony, patio, tiny back garden, or even just a sunny windowsill. Here’s what we’re going to talk about today:* Why small-space gardening is 100% worth it* The best containers for your plants (spoiler alert: you don’t need anything fancy)* The easiest and most rewarding veggies and herbs to grow* The common mistakes I’ve made so you can avoid them* Creative tips to help you garden sustainably in a small spaceAnd make sure you check out my Small Space Homesteading Bundle, designed to help you take your mini-garden to the next level.Sound good? Let’s get started!Let’s slow down and journey together through the seasons with simplicity and intention. Subscribe to receive simple musings directly in your inbox.Alright, before we dig into the details, let’s talk about why small-space gardening is so worth it.First off, it’s ridiculously convenient. Seriously there is nothing better than stepping onto your balcony or patio and snipping fresh basil for your pasta or grabbing a handful of cherry tomatoes for a salad. Secondly, you’d be amazed how much food you can grow in a small space. I used to think container gardening would mean a few herbs and maybe some salad leaves, but oh no, if you choose the right plants, you can be harvesting regularly from just a handful of pots. And finally, it’s so rewarding. There’s something deeply satisfying about growing your own food even if it’s just a couple of pots of parsley or some trailing strawberries. Plus, if you’re in a flat or a more urban area, it’s a brilliant way to bring a bit of nature into your space.I set up a Buy Me a Coffee as a simple and meaningful way for those who enjoy my work to support the abundance of free content I create. From my podcast, newsletters, and Instagram posts to the thoughtful resources I share, so much of what I do is fueled by a love for slow, simple, and seasonal living.If my content has ever inspired, encouraged, or supported you on your journey, and you’d like to give back in a small way, buying me a coffee is a beautiful way to do so and starts at £1. Every contribution helps me continue sharing free, high-quality content while also supporting the time, energy, and love that goes into creating it.Your support, whether through a coffee or simply by engaging with my content, means the world to me. Thank you for being part of this slow and intentional space!Now, let’s talk containers. Here’s the thing you don’t need fancy or expensive planters. Honestly, I’ve grown food in all sorts old buckets, plastic trays, and even a broken laundry basket. As long as it has good drainage, you’re good to go.Here are some tried-and-tested container ideas:🪴 Terracotta or Plastic Pots – A classic choice. Great for most veggies and herbs, just make sure they’ve got drainage holes.🗑 Buckets – Perfect for larger plants like tomatoes, peppers, or even potatoes. Just drill a few drainage holes in the bottom.♻️ Recycled Containers – Get creative! Old colanders, wooden crates, or even vintage tins can work beautifully.📏 Vertical Planters & Hanging Baskets – Ideal for saving space. I love growing strawberries and trailing herbs in hanging baskets.Pro tip: Bigger is often better. Larger containers retain moisture more effectively and give plants plenty of room to grow.Let’s slow down and journey together through the seasons with simplicity and intention. Subscribe to receive simple musings directly in your inbox.Right, let’s get to the fun part, what to grow! Some plants absolutely thrive in small spaces, so if you’re just starting out, here are some foolproof options:Herbs – Basil, mint, parsley, thyme, rosemary and chives are all easy and low-maintenance.Leafy Greens – Lettuce, spinach, and kale grow quickly and are perfect for containers.Tomatoes – Go for cherry or bush varieties as they’re compact and produce loads.Peppers – Sweet peppers and chillies love warm spots and do brilliantly in pots.Root Veggies – Carrots, beetroot and radishes are surprisingly easy in deep containers.Garlic & Spring Onions – Pop a few cloves or bulbs into a pot and you’ll have a steady supply.If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try climbing beans on a trellis or potatoes in grow bags. Trust me, you’ll feel like a wizard when you tip over a grow bag and a pile of potatoes tumbles out!And there you have it. Whether you’ve got a balcony, a patio, or even just a sunny windowsill, you can absolutely grow your own food and have loads of fun doing it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

Spring has a way of making us want to throw open the windows, clear out the junk drawer, and scrub every surface until it gleams. There’s something about the longer days and lighter evenings that stirs up the urge for a fresh start. But while we’re wiping down shelves and hauling out bags of donations, how often do we think about the clutter we can’t see?I’m talking about the emotional and mental mess, the overwhelm, the overcommitting, the perfectionism that quietly weighs us down. The things we carry around in our heads and hearts long after they’ve outlived their purpose. So today, let’s talk about a different kind of spring cleaning the kind that makes space in your soul.Let’s slow down and journey together through the seasons with simplicity and intention. Subscribe to receive simple musings directly in your inbox.Letting Go of Mental ClutterWe all know what it feels like to walk into a room that’s messy and chaotic. Your eyes don’t know where to land, your mind feels scattered, and it’s hard to focus. Now, imagine that same disarray but inside your head.Mental clutter shows up in so many ways:* Overwhelm from trying to juggle too many responsibilities.* Overcommitting because you’re afraid of letting people down.* Perfectionism keeping you stuck, convincing you that if it’s not flawless, it’s not worth doing.Sound familiar? Me too.For a long time, I was the queen of overcommitting. I’d agree to things before checking my calendar, thinking I could somehow squeeze in one more thing. I’d say yes when my whole being was begging for a no. And perfectionism? She was my unwanted sidekick. I’d rewrite emails three times before sending them. I’d overthink captions to the point of deleting them. It was exhausting.But here’s what I’ve learned: you can’t create a slow and simple life if your mind is constantly racing. You can’t feel at ease if your thoughts are tangled up in ‘shoulds’ and ‘not enoughs’.How to Clear the Mental Clutter:* Simplify your inputs: Cut back on the noise. Mute accounts that leave you feeling inadequate. Reduce notifications. Give yourself permission to answer messages when you have capacity, not instantly.* Set gentle boundaries: Protect your peace by saying no, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s okay to turn down a request or step back from a commitment if it’s stretching you too thin.* Ditch perfectionism: Done is better than perfect. Let good enough be enough. You’re allowed to send the email, share the post, or finish the project without polishing it to oblivion.I set up a Buy Me a Coffee as a simple and meaningful way for those who enjoy my work to support the abundance of free content I create. From my podcast, newsletters, and Instagram posts to the thoughtful resources I share, so much of what I do is fueled by a love for slow, simple, and seasonal living.If my content has ever inspired, encouraged, or supported you on your journey, and you’d like to give back in a small way, buying me a coffee is a beautiful way to do so and starts at £1. Every contribution helps me continue sharing free content while also supporting the time, energy, and love that goes into creating it.Your support, whether through a coffee or simply by engaging with my content, means the world to me. Thank you for being part of this slow and intentional space!Refreshing Routines & Creating Space for RestSpring is nature’s gentle nudge to refresh, to shed what feels heavy and make room for lightness. And that doesn’t just mean deep-cleaning your kitchen cupboards. It also means taking a good look at your daily rhythms.I used to have this habit of clinging to routines that no longer worked for me. Even when they felt clunky and draining, I’d stick with them out of habit. But spring is a beautiful reminder that it’s okay to let your routines evolve with the season.Ask yourself:* Are your current rhythms fuelling or draining you?* Do you need more slowness in your mornings or more stillness in your evenings?* Could you loosen the grip on routines that feel too rigid?For me, refreshing my routine in spring looks like:* Swapping the coffee on the sofa mornings for coffee in the garden mornings.* Slowing down my evenings by reading with soft lighting instead of scrolling my phone.* Leaving white space in my calendar just for the sake of it—no tasks, no plans, just room to breathe.How to Create Space for Rest:* Prioritise white space: You don’t have to fill every hour. Leaving space in your schedule allows room for spontaneity, creativity, and genuine rest.* Build transition moments: Add tiny moments of pause between activities. A short walk after work, a tea break before tackling the next task…it all counts.* Redefine productivity: Rest doesn’t need to be earned. It’s not a reward for getting everything done, it’s the fuel that makes everything else sustainable.Your Soulful Spring Cleaning Prompt:If you’re feeling ready to do some internal spring cleaning, here’s a gentle journaling prompt to sit with:“What am I holding onto that feels heavy, and what would it feel like to set it down?”Let yourself write freely. Don’t overthink it. Let the words flow onto the page without judgement.And if you find that you’re carrying more than you realised, be gentle with yourself. Spring cleaning for the soul is not about fixing, it’s about lightening. It’s about making just a little more space for the things that breathe life into you.Let’s slow down and journey together through the seasons with simplicity and intention. Subscribe to receive simple musings directly in your inbox.Give Yourself Permission to Let GoSo, as you dust off your shelves and scrub your floors this spring, I hope you’ll also make time to dust off your soul. To clear out the self-imposed pressure, the perfectionism, and the emotional clutter that no longer fits.Because you deserve to feel lighter. You deserve to breathe easier. You deserve a spring that feels spacious, not just in your home, but in your heart.Let me know: what are you letting go of this spring? Share your reflections with me over on Instagram or in the comments. I’d love to hear what you’re releasing and making space for. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

As winter slowly loosens its grip at long last and the first whispers of spring have been noticable, we find ourselves at a moment of quiet transformation. The shift from one season to the next is more than just a change in weather it’s an invitation to realign, refresh, and embrace the gentle energy of renewal.I love the transition from winter to spring (and also summer to autumn), there seems to be so many marked and obvious changes compared to around the two solstices. I think we really feel that change from Winter to Spring, just like we really feel it going from Summer to Autumn.I set up a Buy Me a Coffee as a simple and meaningful way for those who enjoy my work to support the abundance of free content I create. From my podcast, newsletters, and Instagram posts to the thoughtful resources I share, so much of what I do is fueled by a love for slow, simple, and seasonal living.If my content has ever inspired, encouraged, or supported you on your journey, and you’d like to give back in a small way, buying me a coffee is a beautiful way to do so and starts at £1. Every contribution helps me continue sharing free, high-quality content while also supporting the time, energy, and love that goes into creating it.Your support, whether through a coffee or simply by engaging with my content, means the world to me. Thank you for being part of this slow and intentional space!The shift from winter to spring always feels like a deep exhale. It is the moment when the world stretches awake after months of rest, when nature begins to hum with possibility, and when we start to feel a renewed sense of energy. There is something so magical about this transition, a slow unfolding that reminds us that growth is always happening, even when we cannot see it. The stillness of winter begins to fade, replaced by an undercurrent of movement and change. The air feels different, charged with the quiet excitement of promise and of new beginnings.Winter teaches us the beauty of rest and reflection, of cosying up and turning inward. But as the days begin to stretch out a little longer, the hours of daylight extend and nature begins its slow unfurling, we, too, feel that nudge toward movement, creativity, and growth. How can we embrace this seasonal shift with intention? How can we allow ourselves to awaken at our own pace, without rushing or forcing the transition?Let’s slow down and journey together through the seasons with simplicity and intention. Subscribe to receive simple musings directly in your inbox.Observing the Subtle Signs of ChangeOne of the most beautiful aspects of the seasonal shift is the quiet, almost imperceptible signs that nature is stirring. The first green shoots as they break through the soil, the return of birdsong in the early mornings (or screaming magpies if you live where I do), the softness in the air that signals warmth to come. It is a seasonal shift that holds so much promise. These tiny markers all around remind us that transformation is happening, even when it feels slow and unseen.Take a moment to notice:* The way the golden hour lingers just a little longer.* The scent of fresh earth and the crispness in the air after a spring rain.* The tiny buds forming on trees, waiting for their moment to bloom.Bringing awareness to these changes anchors us in the present, allowing us to move with the season rather than against it.Honouring the Energy ShiftAs winter’s stillness gives way to spring’s awakening, we may feel an internal shift as well. Our energy begins to stir, creativity flows more freely, and the desire to move and to do, to create, to explore grows stronger.However, just as nature transitions gradually, we, too, can ease into the new season without rushing. Some days might still feel wrapped in winter’s slowness, while others call us outside, inviting us to stretch into the light.Ask yourself:* What am I ready to step into this season?* Where do I still need to linger in slowness?* What routines or rituals no longer serve me as I move into this new chapter?Spring’s arrival isn’t about a sudden transformation but about gentle unfolding. Honour your own timing, and allow yourself to bloom at a pace that feels natural.Seasonal Rituals for a Gentle TransitionWelcoming a new season can be as simple or as intentional as we choose. Rituals help us mark these moments, grounding us in the shift and making space for what’s to come.* Spring Cleaning with Purpose – More than just tidying up, spring cleaning can be a ritual of renewal. Open the windows, clear away what feels stagnant, and make space for fresh energy. Even a simple re-arrangement of a room can bring in a sense of newness.* Eating Seasonally – Nature provides what our bodies crave. As we move away from hearty winter meals, lean into the tender greens, sprouts, and lighter fare that spring offers. Consider visiting a farmers' market and noticing what’s in season.* Journaling for Renewal – Reflect on what winter taught you and set gentle intentions for the months ahead. What do you want to cultivate? What rhythms do you want to carry forward?* Planting Something New – Whether it’s herbs in your kitchen, flowers in your garden, or a simple houseplant, planting is a beautiful way to connect with the season’s growth.* Starting the Day Outdoors – Step outside in the morning, even if just for a few minutes. Breathe in the crisp air, listen to the birds, and greet the day with a moment of stillness.* Moving with the Season – Our bodies crave movement after winter’s hibernation. This could be as simple as stretching in the morning sun, taking a slow walk, or even dancing in the kitchen to shake off the last remnants of winter’s stillness.* Celebrating the Equinox – The Spring Equinox is a moment of perfect balance, where day and night are equal. It’s a beautiful opportunity to set intentions, express gratitude, and welcome light into your life in small, meaningful ways.Let’s slow down and journey together through the seasons with simplicity and intention. Subscribe to receive simple musings directly in your inbox.Join my Bloom & Renew Seasonal CircleWhen: Thursday 20th March 2025 (Spring Equinox).Where: Online, click to reserve your spot.Cost: Free (If you feel you want to contribute you can do so to my Buy me a coffee)This seasonal shift is more than just a change in weather. It is an opportunity to realign, to refresh, and to step into the new with intention. It is the perfect time to take stock of what is no longer serving you and to make space for what will. Just as nature sheds the weight of winter, we can do the same. Whether it is decluttering a corner of your home, shifting a mindset that has been holding you back, or simply embracing the joy of a morning walk without a heavy coat, this is the moment to welcome lightness. This is the time to ask yourself what you want to bring forward into this next season of life and what you are ready to leave behind. It is a season of renewal, not just in nature but within ourselves.Spring reminds us that transformation does not have to be rushed. The trees do not bloom overnight, and the first warm day does not mean winter will not try to make a brief return. Change happens gradually, in its own time, and that is something to honour in ourselves as well. This is the season to embrace patience and trust that the shifts happening within us are just as natural as those happening outside our windows. Just as seedlings take time to sprout and flowers take time to bloom, our own growth follows a rhythm of its own. There is no rush to be fully formed. There is no pressure to have everything figured out. We are, like the world around us, simply unfolding.Embracing the Beauty of the TransitionThere is a quiet magic in the in-between—this space where one season softly hands over to the next. Instead of rushing forward, we can embrace the unfolding, finding beauty in each step of the transition.Spring is a season of hope, of possibility, of fresh starts. But it’s also a season of patience, of trusting the process, and of allowing things to bloom in their own time. Let yourself ease into it. Let yourself savour it. As we step into spring, let it be a season of intention. Notice the way the world is waking up and allow yourself to do the same. Open your windows, breathe in the fresh air, and let yourself be inspired by the beauty of this transition. Take the time to plant new seeds, both literally and metaphorically. Step forward with the same quiet confidence as the first flower of the season, knowing that the light will only continue to grow. Embrace the fresh start that spring offers, not with urgency but with curiosity. Let this be a season of possibility, of gentle transformation, of stepping into the warmth and light that has been waiting for you all along.I’d love to hear how you’re experiencing this seasonal shift. Share your reflections with me over on Instagram, or drop a comment below. Here’s to welcoming spring with gentle steps forward and an appreciation for the slow unfolding of the season. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe