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As a mother to a lively toddler, the concept of slow living for moms often feels like a distant dream. Between managing a household, nurturing my child, and attempting to maintain some semblance of personal time, slowing down seems nearly impossible. We live in a world where productivity is praised, and being busy is often seen as a badge of honor. But what if there’s a better way? What if slowing down could lead to a fuller, richer life?
I found myself asking these questions after reading Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner. In her memoir, Loechner shares her personal story of stepping away from the fast-paced, high-achieving lifestyle that many of us chase in modern motherhood. She challenges us to redefine success, take a step back, and focus on living more intentionally.
What Is the Slow Living Movement?
Before diving into the insights I gained from reading Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path, it’s helpful to understand what the “slow living” movement is all about. Slow living isn’t just about decelerating the pace of life—it’s about being intentional with how we spend our time, where we focus our energy, and how we engage with the world around us.
Originating from the Italian slow food movement in the 1980s, slow living has since evolved to encompass a broad lifestyle philosophy. It encourages us to reject the fast-paced, consumer-driven culture in favor of more mindful, deliberate living. Today, slow living encompasses everything from choosing quality over quantity in our material possessions to building sustainable, nurturing relationships. It also means creating a space where we can take deep breaths, find peace, and experience joy in the moment.
The Allure of the Slow Living Aesthetic
The slow living aesthetic isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about creating a life that nurtures our well-being and happiness. One of the ways I’ve come to understand slow living for moms is through the lens of aesthetics. When we think of slow living homes, we often imagine calm, cozy spaces filled with natural light, minimalistic décor, and elements that help us relax and recharge. Pinterest is full of ideas for achieving this aesthetic—from nature-inspired designs to motivational slow living quotes that encourage a more mindful lifestyle.
But the slow living aesthetic goes far beyond physical spaces. It extends to our activities, routines, and connection to the world around us. It’s about cultivating an environment that fosters mindfulness and tranquility. Simple things like spending more time outdoors, slowing down our morning routines, or making space for rest all contribute to this aesthetic of intentional living.
Lessons from Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path
Erin Loechner’s memoir, Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path, was a revelation for me as a mother. As a mom, I often feel the pressure to do it all—juggling responsibilities at home, work, and in my personal life. Like many women, I’ve felt the constant pull of productivity and the desire to “do more.” But as Loechner writes, “more” doesn’t always equal “better.”
Loechner’s journey toward embracing slowness began when she found herself in a beautiful, successful life that still left her feeling empty. She realized that her pursuit of more had led to burnout and exhaustion. Instead of finding fulfillment, she was chasing after an ideal of perfection that simply didn’t serve her. Her decision to slow down—literally and figuratively—was an act of courage and self-awareness.
As a mother, I can relate to this journey. In my own life, I’ve often felt the need to achieve, to measure up, and to prove myself. But reading Loechner’s words made me question that narrative. Was it worth sacrificing my peace for the sake of productivity? Was I truly “living” if I was constantly on the move and caught up in the rush of the day-to-day?
How to Integrate Slow Living for Moms Into Your Life
Incorporating the principles of slow living for moms into motherhood doesn’t require monumental changes. It starts with small, mindful adjustments that gradually build up over time. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path that have helped me slow down in my own life:
1. Reframe Your Morning Routine
One of the easiest ways to begin embracing slow living for moms is to reframe how we start the day. Mornings can be rushed and stressful, with everyone scrambling to get out the door. But taking a few moments for myself in the morning can have a profound impact on how the rest of my day unfolds. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee, a short meditation, or simply sitting in silence, starting the day without rushing is a game-changer.
If you’re interested in learning more about how I’ve structured my mornings as a busy mom, check out 5am Club: A Busy Mom’s Morning Routine. Getting up early has helped me start my day with intention and mindfulness.
2. Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature has always been a part of my slow living for moms journey. I love going on nature walks with my toddler—whether it’s through the woods, in the park, or simply around the block. The time spent outdoors allows both of us to disconnect from technology, slow down, and really observe the world around us. Nature has this incredible way of reminding us of what truly matters.
3. Choose Mindful Consumption
Slow living for moms isn’t just about slowing down your pace—it’s also about slowing down your consumption. This applies to the things we buy, the media we consume, and even the people we interact with. Choosing quality over quantity—whether in food, clothes, or experiences—aligns with the slow living philosophy. This also means saying no to the things that drain our energy and focusing on what truly nourishes us.
4. Prioritize Quality Time with Family
As a mom, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to truly connect with my family. Slowing down means prioritizing quality time with my toddler, whether we’re playing together, having a meaningful conversation, or just being present in the same space. These moments create the foundation for a deeper, more fulfilling relationship.
Finding Inspiration in Community
One of the key elements of the slow living for moms movement is community. Slow living isn’t about isolating ourselves; it’s about finding inspiration in others who share similar values. Whether through online communities or local gatherings, connecting with others on the same journey can provide encouragement and accountability.
I’ve found that one of the best ways to stay committed to slow living is to seek out inspiration regularly. This can come in the form of slow living quotes, activities, or new practices to integrate into my routine. By surrounding myself with content that aligns with my desire for a slower, more intentional life, I’m reminded daily of why I made this choice in the first place.
Final Thoughts on Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path
Slowing down isn’t just about taking things easy—it’s about intentionally choosing a life that aligns with our values and fosters peace and connection. Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path has been a powerful reminder for me that we don’t have to be busy all the time to feel fulfilled. Sometimes, the most rewarding thing we can do is embrace the stillness and focus on what truly matters.
If you’re ready to slow down and live with more intention, I highly recommend reading Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path. It’s a beautifully written book that challenges us to reconsider the way we live and offers practical advice for making the shift.
For more insights on embracing a slower lifestyle, check out my post on How to Embrace a Slow Living Lifestyle as a Mom, where I share practical tips on weaving slow living into your everyday routine. Whether it’s through nature walks, intentional mornings, or simplifying your daily tasks, there’s no better time than now to start living slower.
What are some ways you’ve found to slow down in motherhood? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!