No. 1: Setting Intentions

Why I'm Choosing to Slow Down & Heal in 2025

The Call to Slow Down

I remember the exact moment I realized something had to change. I was sitting on my bed—crying. I was emotionally, mentally and physcially drained. I had just spent the day doing 'this' and doing 'that' on autopilot with my little one and I got in an argument with my husband about who knows what by now. I finally couldn't ignore it anymore, this voice inside me yelling 'STOP!' When I listened to it, frankly, I didn't have much of a choice because it was so loud, I was exhausted and all I could do was succumb to that plea inside me. I realized, that I don't have it in me to continue on like this anymore. Something inside me was telling me this has to change now.

That way of living had been my everyday for years, it was my norm, but not sustainable to life. And I learned that lesson that night crying, when I felt tapped out in every way imaginable. I was so drained from the constant meeting everyone's needs, taking care of the 'to do' list that never ends, and not giving myself any of that energy, time and resources to take care of my needs—to rest and recover, to reflect and heal, to live and to be me again.

So, I made a decision: the next 12 months ahead of me would be my year to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to embrace a life rooted in intention and healing. This blog is where I will document that journey—one mindful step at a time.

Finding Calm in a Fast-Paced World

In a world that glorifies hustle culture, it's easy to believe that slowing down means falling behind. For years, I measured my days by how much I accomplished—checking tasks off a list and getting external approval from others whose needs I had to meet, which felt like proof that I was enough. But eventually, I realized I was spending all my energy filling everyone else's cups and leaving nothing to fill my own. There was nothing left for presence, joy or even rest.

Slowing down isn't about doing less—it's about doing what matters with greater care and intention. By choosing to move at a gentler pace, I'm learning to savor simple moments—the warmth of my morning coffee, the sound of the breeze blowing through the leaves outside my window, or the comfort of a quiet evening spent reading.

I'm embracing slow living not as a luxury, but as a necessity—a way to reclaim my time, my energy and my peace of mind.

Embracing Self-Compassion

For me, healing is less about fixing what's broken and more about giving myself permission to rest, reflect and restore. It means letting go of perfectionism, completing as many items on a 'to do' list, meeting every need for everyone, instead it's learning to be kinder to myself, especially on the hard days.

Over the past few years, I've felt the effect of burnout creeping in—restless sleep, emotional exhaustion, and a constant feeling that I should be doing more. My healing journey I have ahead of me will be about listening to my body, creating space for stillness, and allowing myself to move through life with gentleness.

Whether it's spending more time in nature, journaling my thoughts, or embracing moments of quiet, I'm choosing to honor what I need without guilt.

Focusing on What Matters Most

I've come to realize that living with intention is not about following a strict routine or structure to 'live' my life, it's about simplifying and aligning my days with what matters.

For me that means creating space and finding balance for meaningful conversations, choosing rest without guilt, and being mindful of how I spend my energy while taking care of some 'to-do' list items. It means pausing to ask myself, 'Is this adding peace or pressure to my life? Is this an item that needs to be done today or will tomorrow be just as sufficient? Is this a priority for me or for someone else?'

Living intentionally has shown me that I don't need to fill every hour to feel fulfilled. I just need to fill it with what feels right to me in the present.

My Plan for the Next 12 Months

In the months ahead, I'll be sharing what this slow living journey looks like—the routines I'm embracing, the boundaries I'm setting, and the small rituals that are helping me feel more grounded.

I'll write about mindful moments, self-care practices, and the simple joys I'm learning to notice along the way. My hope is that these reflections will inspire you to create your own pace—one that feels calm, intentional, and true to you.

Whether you are looking to simplify your schedule, reconnect with yourself, or find peace in everyday moments, I invite you to join me.

Your Invitation to Join the Journey

If you've ever felt the pressure of constantly being productive, the weight of meeting endless expectations, or the overwhelm of life moving too fast—know that you are not alone. I repeat: You. Are. Not. Alone.

Slowing down isn't always easy, but it's deeply worthwhile. My hope is that by sharing my journey, you'll feel encouraged to pause, reflect, and discover what living with intention means for you. Let's start this journey together.

I'd love to hear from you—what's one small step you're taking to welcome more calm and balance into your life?