Imperfection

  • Jumpstart Your Simple Living Journey with These Easy Tips

    Have you heard about living more simply and been intrigued? Has slowing down your life been on your radar but you just don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry – I’ve got you because I have been there too. Life in this modern world is busy, it’s bright, it’s always on, and sometimes we don’t necessarily know how to begin to slow our lives down. 

    A common question, or statement, I hear when I talk about slow and simple living is that people feel they can’t do it because they have a 9-5 job or they live what they consider to be a busy life. They have this idea of what it is ‘supposed’ to look like and feel like it’s completely unattainable for them.  Slow and simple living isn’t about never being busy, or not having those demands that sometimes seem like a lot. Instead, it is about finding ways in our already established lives to create slow and simple rhythms that help us create a more intentional life for ourselves. 

    What if I told you that whatever your life looks like there are things you can do to start to put slow and simple living in motion? These go-to slow and simple living tips will help you re-evaluate what busy means to you and help you implement areas of slowing down and simplicity in your life. Whatever that looks like in your life, these tips will help you live more intentionally, starting today.

    Leave hustle culture behind

    Leaving a multi-level marketing company and the onset of the global pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for me to reassess my life and fully embrace the art of slowing down. While the pandemic brought about immense challenges, it also granted our family the chance to reconsider our priorities and the way we choose to live. It was during those initial lockdown days that I first delved into the world of slow living. As we adapted to a life where work took place within the comforting confines of our home, I often found myself standing on my balcony, gazing out at a world in turmoil, and pondering the mysteries of the outside world. This practice still resonates with me today.

    Many aspects of slow living had already found their way into our lives, but this period marked the beginning of a profound transformation. As the world gradually reopened, I realised that I was in no rush to return to the fast-paced routines of the past. The significance of many things had shifted in my perspective, and I found solace in embracing a simpler, more intentional way of life.

    When you finally feel ready to leave hustle culture behind and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living, you can start by identifying your why. Ask yourself why you want to make this change and what truly matters to you. Is it more time with your family? Do you want to pursue a passion? Or do you just want to create a better balance in your life? When you start to pinpoint your motivations you will have a better idea of how to make decisions that align with your values. Your why will then become your anchor in this busy world, constantly reminding you of the path you want to take toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

    Declutter your space and mind

    When we think about decluttering we often think about tidying up and minimising our physical surroundings, but it is also a powerful practice that can extend to your mental landscape too. When you clear out the excess of the physical possessions that no longer serve you, you create room for mental clarity and peace. The act of decluttering becomes a metaphor for letting go of mental burdens, unnecessary worries, and distractions. As you simplify your physical space, you’ll often find that your mind follows suit, becoming less cluttered and more focused. It’s a beautiful synergy between our external environment and internal wellbeing, where the art of decluttering paves the way for a simpler, more intentional way of living.

    Decluttering your physical space and sometimes seem overwhelming, so start with a small, manageable area like a single drawer, shelf, or even your workspace. When you tackle a small space you start to accumulate small wins which will help your sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. As you begin to declutter your physical space, pay attention to the sense of lightness and clarity it brings. This physical transformation so often leads to a mental one, which inspires you to re-evaluate clutter across your entire life. You can download my decluttering checklists from my shop here.

    Nourish your wellbeing through mindful living

    When you nourish your own wellbeing you start a holistic journey that starts with the practice of mindful living. It’s about being fully present in many of life’s moments, savouring the simplicity of lifes simple pleasure, and finding a balance in a world that can feel overwhelming as it encourages constant busyness. Mindful living isn’t a trend, it is a way to connect deeply with your inner self and the world around you. By practicing mindfulness you are better able to cultivate an awareness whereby you are better able to make conscious choices that along with your true values and desires. 

    When people hear the word Mindfulness they often think it requires sitting for hours, with a blank mind, in a meditative state, and therefore immediately dismiss it out of hand as something they don’t have time for. Incorporating mindfulness into your life doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. Instead, you can choose just one small mindful activity that resonates with you. It could be mindful breathing, a short meditation, or enjoying a tea or coffee without interruptions: anything that feels manageable for you. When you start with one practice you can slowly ease yourself into the concept of mindfulness and how you can weave them into your daily routine. Every small step that you take will help contribute to your wellbeing and help you integrate slow and simple living into your everyday life. 

    How you can start to embrace Slow & Simple Living in your own life

    Are you yearning to hit the brakes and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living, but you’re unsure of where to begin? I’ve crafted this delightful freebie just for you, designed to kickstart your journey into the world of slow & simple living. It’s packed with practical tips to help you infuse slowness into every facet of your daily life.

    Begin your journey towards a slower, more simpler life.

    In a life that constantly feels fast-paced and on-the-go, are you longing to find the beauty in slowing down but aren’t sure how to begin?
     
    Look no further! I’ve crafted this delightful freebie to guide you in your quest to infuse slow living into every facet of your life, making the journey enjoyable and accessible.




    Thank you for subscribing!


    So there you have it! My go-to ways to help you start to embrace that slow and simple lifestyle you’ve been thinking of but haven’t had a clue where to start. Are you ready to embark on a journey of understanding what slow and simple living truly means and how to infuse it into your own life? Don’t forget to download the Slow & Simple Living Guide above. Also be sure to check out The Slow Living Collective Podcast where we unravel the essence of slow and simple living in our weekly episodes, providing practical steps and holding space for you to begin your transformative journey towards a more intentional and fulfilling life. 

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  • Savouring Imperfection: Embracing the Beauty of Imperfect Slow Living

    A blog post about how to embrace slow living, imperfectly. We so often hear about slow living and so desperately want to slow down but don’t try because we can’t do it perfectly. But we don’t have to do it perfectly. Showing up imperfectly is enough.

    In a fast-paced world that values productivity, efficiency, and constant progress, the concept of slow living may seem like an elusive dream. We are bombarded with images of perfection and the pressure to keep up with the ideals of flawlessness in every aspect of our lives. But what if we were to pause, take a deep breath, and embrace the beauty of imperfection? What if we could find joy and contentment in the moments that don’t go according to plan, in the flaws that make us uniquely human? This is the essence of imperfect slow living—a mindful and intentional approach to life that values presence, authenticity, and embracing the imperfect nature of our journey.


    Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Podcasts

    Or search for The Slow Living Collective wherever you get your podcasts.


    I was lucky enough to sit down with Beckie from Our Nurtured Life and discuss what slow living looking like for her as a busy wife, mother and business owner. So often we have this preconceived idea about what life is suppose to look like but nine times out of ten we are trying to hit these arbitrary goals, and when it comes to slow living it’s no different. We’re always thinking that we’re not truly living slowly because life is sometimes busy, or we aren’t embracing a simple life enough, or we still too caught in the rat race. But what if I told you that showing up, embracing what slow and simple living means to you and doing it imperfectly is part of lesson. We don’t have to be perfect, we just have to try.

    I know it’s not easy to be comfortable with sitting with imperfection, after all, our modern, capitalist societies push perfectionism at every turn. So I want to share with you some ways that you can start embracing showing up imperfectly.

    Embracing Imperfection

    Imperfection is not a sign of failure; it is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. When we release ourselves from the relentless pursuit of perfection, we create space to embrace the richness and depth of life’s experiences. Imperfections, far from being flaws to be hidden or corrected, actually offer us precious opportunities for growth, learning, and self-acceptance. It is in those vulnerable and authentic moments that we can forge genuine connections with ourselves and others. Slow living, with its emphasis on mindfulness and intentional living, urges us to embrace imperfections as valuable lessons that shape our journey. It reminds us that life is inherently messy and unpredictable, and it is within these imperfections that true beauty resides. By relinquishing the quest for perfection, we open ourselves to a world of authenticity, self-discovery, and a profound appreciation for the imperfect tapestry of our lives.

    Finding Balance

    Slow living is a conscious and intentional pursuit of balance in a world that often feels imbalanced and chaotic. It is a deliberate choice to prioritise our well-being, nourish our relationships, and revel in the simple joys that bring us happiness. By slowing down and immersing ourselves fully in each moment, we create a spaciousness that allows us to truly appreciate the imperfect beauty that surrounds us. It’s in these moments that we can find solace and contentment, whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll in nature and marveling at the delicate dance of sunlight filtering through the leaves, savouring a home-cooked meal with loved ones and relishing the flavors and warmth that fills the air, or simply allowing ourselves to rest and recharge, free from the pressures of constant productivity. Slow living teaches us to seek pleasure in the small, often overlooked details of life, finding fulfillment in the imperfections and realising that it is within these seemingly insignificant moments that the true essence of life resides. It is an invitation to embrace the present, honour our own needs, and cultivate a sense of balance and harmony in a world that often pulls us in countless directions.

    Letting Go of Expectations

    One of the greatest challenges we face in embracing imperfect slow living is liberating ourselves from the weight of expectations, both those we place upon ourselves and those imposed by society. In a world that often equates success and happiness with external achievements and material possessions, it can be difficult to break free from the cycle of constantly striving for more. Slow living, however, invites us to redefine our measures of success and discover fulfillment in the intangible aspects of life. It encourages us to find joy in the simple moments, to cherish deep connections with loved ones, and to prioritise our personal growth and wellbeing. It’s a shift in perspective that invites us to focus not solely on the destination but to fully immerse ourselves in the journey itself. Instead of fixating on the end result, slow living teaches us to find fulfillment in the process, to embrace the ups and downs, the imperfections, and the lessons they bring. It’s an opportunity to release the burden of societal expectations and create our own definition of success—one that aligns with our values, nourishes our souls, and celebrates the beautiful messiness of life.

    Cultivating Mindfulness

    Mindfulness lies at the very heart of imperfect slow living. It is a transformative practice that involves being fully present and consciously aware of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, without passing judgment. Through the cultivation of mindfulness, we develop a heightened sensitivity to the beauty and abundance inherent in each present moment, even amidst its imperfections. We learn to attune ourselves to the small details that often escape our notice, and in doing so, we unlock a profound sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures that bring us joy. Mindfulness offers us the gift of releasing the burdensome pressure to be perfect and instead invites us to focus on the inherent beauty that exists in the here and now. It encourages us to cherish each passing moment, to embrace the ebb and flow of life, and to find solace and contentment in the imperfections that make our journeys uniquely ours. By practicing mindfulness, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of connection, compassion, and appreciation for life, allowing us to savour the full spectrum of human experience.

    Embracing Vulnerability

    In our relentless pursuit of perfection, we often find ourselves concealing our vulnerabilities and struggles, believing that they somehow diminish our worth. However, embracing imperfection necessitates embracing vulnerability—the audacity to show up in the world authentically and wholeheartedly, even when we feel uncertain or imperfect. It is through vulnerability that we can forge profound connections with others, cultivating a sense of genuine belonging and acceptance. Imperfect slow living beckons us to celebrate our flaws, to have the courage to share our stories, and to create nurturing spaces where imperfections are not only tolerated but celebrated as unique aspects of our individuality. It is in these spaces of acceptance and support that we can find solace and inspiration, realizing that we are not alone in our humanness. By embracing vulnerability, we create an opportunity for deep connection, empathy, and understanding, fostering a sense of community that celebrates the intricate beauty of our imperfect selves. In doing so, we cultivate an environment that encourages growth, self-compassion, and the nurturing of authentic relationships.


    Imperfect slow living is a powerful antidote to the pressures of perfectionism and the frantic pace of modern life. It reminds us that life is not about reaching an unattainable state of flawlessness, but about embracing the messy, imperfect, and beautifully human moments that make up our journey. It is a call to savour the richness and depth of life.

    Are you ready to embrace slowing down?

    Are you tired of the constant rush and pressure to keep up with a fast-paced world? It’s time to hit the brakes, take a deep breath, and embrace the power of slowing down imperfectly. In a society that often glorifies busyness and perfection, there is immense beauty in giving ourselves permission to slow down and savor life’s precious moments. Embracing a slower pace doesn’t mean striving for flawlessness or trying to achieve an unattainable ideal. It’s about finding balance, nourishing our well-being, and celebrating the imperfect beauty of our lives.

    If you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey, I invite you to download our freebie, Embrace the Slow Down, which is filled with practical tips, insightful guidance, and gentle reminders to help you navigate the path of imperfect slow living. Let’s embrace the joy of imperfection, find solace in the present, and create a life that aligns with our values and brings us true fulfillment.

    Download the freebie now and start savouring the beauty of slowing down imperfectly.

    Start living slow, imperfectly.
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    Be sure to check out the podcast

    In this enlightening and heartwarming podcast episode, we invite you to join us in a conversation with the inspiring Beckie, a passionate advocate for embracing the beauty of imperfect slow living.

    In a world that often celebrates perfection and relentless productivity, Beckie shares her personal journey towards finding joy and fulfillment in embracing life’s imperfections. From savoring the small moments to embracing the beauty of imperfections in ourselves and our surroundings, Beckie offers profound insights and practical tips on how to cultivate a slower, more mindful way of living. Together, we explore the transformative power of slowing down, letting go of societal expectations, and finding contentment in the present moment. With Beckie’s wisdom and relatable anecdotes, this episode is sure to inspire listeners to embrace imperfection, prioritize self-care, and discover the profound beauty that lies within the simplicity of slow living.

    Where to find Beckie online?

    Follow Beckie on Instagram: @ournurturedlife

    Follow Beckie’s Blog: ournurturedlife.co.uk


    Don’t forget to find me on Instagram too, you can find me @lifeonplot44. Like what I do here, on the podcast and on Instagram? Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to my Slow & Simple Living Community on Substack.

    Feeling Overwhelmed?
    Get My Free Guide to Slow Down & Simplify Your Life
    Your no-fuss guide with simple, actionable steps to help you create a slower, calmer and more intentional life.
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