Slow Down

I set out on a walk with my children, as I figured it’d be a great way for all of us to release some energy. My thinking was that they’d get tired out before nap time, and I’d have a bit of a workout. Win-win.

Less than eight hundred feet from our back door, we already stopped to check out the wildflowers. “Come on! We’re going for a walk,” I said. My daughter picked up the pace only to stop again after a couple more minutes of walking. “We don’t have time for that! Mommy said this was time to walk, let’s go.” I picked up my pace a bit in hopes that she’d follow along, and that’s when it hit me.

Slow Down

You’ve done it again, I thought. In an effort to push my agenda, I failed to accept the moment for what it was. What was the hurry? We had nowhere to be and really no schedule. To quote Daniel Tiger, “Sometimes it’s good to go slow.” Getting rid of clutter isn’t just a tangible endeavor, but an emotional one as well. Clutter in our minds keeps us from slow living. To slow down is to live intentionally and consciously, to prioritize self-care. While I do believe that there’s a time for a more fast-paced approach, more often than not, our lives could use a bit of slowing down.

Take a step back and watch your child eat their pancakes. Look on as they build a castle of blocks, or as they flip through books. Remove distractions while you sit with your morning cup of coffee. Put your phone away while your partner shares their day with you. Invest in those around you by slowing down and giving conscious attention.

Don’t Rush The Moment

I’ve found that I’m a much more relaxed individual when I’m not rushing from moment to moment. When I say “no” more often. When I keep my mind and schedule from becoming overcrowded and overburdened. I need to let my daughter slow down and enjoy the wildflowers, the lawn gnome, the giant rock that she strategically climbs and jumps off.

When we embrace a minimalist approach to life, we give priority to what’s important to us—our family, friends, possessions, and hobbies. To slow down is to remain present. And friends, what else is better than living in the present moment?

Slow down, you won’t regret it.

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On this week’s episode of the podcast, I interviewed author, Stephanie O’Dea about how to savor a slow(er) paced life. From her viral success as a crockpot blogger to redefining the American Dream, Stephanie introduced her SLOW (Simply Look Only Within) approach to the audience. We continued to explore the importance of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), stress management, and achieving a balanced lifestyle through mindfulness and practical steps.

So my question to you this week is: In what areas do you struggle to slow down? Do you rush through moments with your children? Take the time to remove distractions and notice. Make this a regular practice.

Prep Soup Recipes for a Restful Sunday Afternoon

On the latest episode of the podcast, my guest, Kathi Lipp shares about her new book Sabbath Soup. Her thought is that by prepping a soup for Sunday, readers (or my listeners) can enjoy a full day each week of real rest and refreshment.  

Do something good for your soul and experience the peace that comes with a full day dedicated to spending time with family and friends. Savor your Sabbath as you proudly proclaim, “Soup’s on!”

Psst - check out her book here!

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Prep Soup Recipes

Here is one of my favorite, go-to chili recipes for a slow Sunday afternoon:

Smokey Sweet Potato & Turkey Chili

(adapted from Simple Delights)
1 large onion, chopped
1 lb ground turkey breast
1 TBSP salt
2 TBSP chili powder
2 TBSP cumin powder
1 1/2 TBSP brown sugar
2 sweet potatoes, 1/2 inch cubes
1 can black beans
1 large can diced tomatoes
2 cans chicken broth

*You can also add green peppers and diced chili peppers.

In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onions for about 5 minutes. Now, add the ground turkey, salt, cumin, chili powder and brown sugar. Cook until the turkey is cooked through…use a large spoon to crumble the turkey as it cooks. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes. Now, add the black beans, tomatoes, and chicken stock. Mix everything together- bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 40 minutes- until the sweet potato is cooked through. Top with basil, Parmesan, or whatever you'd prefer on your chili.

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I really enjoyed this dish. The flavors blended well together: a mix of sweetness from the brown sugar and spiciness from the cumin and chili powder.

The chili takes about ten-fifteen minutes to prepare and then about forty minutes to fully cook. I was pleased as the timer went off just as Marty walked through the door. Talk about a great way to warm up after a long day outside.

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