Embracing a Slow Life

This week, I spent twenty minutes at my favorite local indie bookstore special-ordering three books. I’ve done this many times before, but this time was different. The children’s books I wanted required extra-special ordering, and as luck would have it, I was the first customer to navigate the store’s brand-new POS system.

Meanwhile, my coffee date was waiting, and as I glanced at my watch, a familiar tension crept in. I could have saved myself twenty minutes by tapping ‘Buy Now’ on Amazon, where the books already sat in my cart, ready to arrive the next day. A small, efficient action in a world that values speed above all else.

And yet, I stayed. I chose to sit in the moment, reminding myself that my time was not being wasted but invested. As an indie author, I try to shop local, aligning my purchases with my values. More and more, I’ve become intentional about which companies I support, investing more in small businesses and my local community.

Sometimes, this means driving a little farther, spending a bit more, or waiting longer for something I could have had instantly.

Is speed always the better option?

There is a cost to our choices, and sometimes, taking extra time is a gift.

So, I texted my coffee date that I needed a few extra minutes and allowed myself to sit with this thought: How can I intentionally embrace more slowness in my life?

The need for speed permeates everything—our homes, our schedules, even our bodies. My daughter often worries about being late, and lunchtime at school is barely long enough to eat, let alone socialize (which, if you ask me, is a whole other issue worth addressing). Our high-intensity, always-on culture wears on us in ways we might not notice.

Walking out of that bookstore, I felt different. Lighter. More at peace. And as a bonus, I even received a couple of free drink coupons as a thank-you for my patience. Maybe I was onto something.

So, I started making adjustments. Fewer screens. Less scrolling. I deleted social media apps from my phone, deciding that if I wanted to engage, I’d do it intentionally—at my computer, on my terms. And through these small shifts, something unexpected happened.

My brain felt clearer. My body, calmer. I was more present for my clients; I started reading again before bed (my latest obsession is James by Percival Everett - definitely worth a read) and I could actually end my day when I wanted to.

So, I’m going to keep trying, experimenting with going slower in my daily life.

How about you?

What would it look like for you to introduce more slowness into your days?

What support do you need to make it happen?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments (or hit reply). I’m cheering you on!

For the world needs who you were made to be.