“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”
~ Etty Hillesum
Since moving to the seaside of St Leonards on Sea last year, the way I feel and spend my days has drastically changed – the colours of the sea and the sky and the sound of the waves – it’s just so so calming – this environment has taught me a lot about slowing down, the importance of spending quality alone time and rest.
As you know (if you have been following me), I’ve spent the last 2-3 years minimising, downsizing and de-cluttering my overall life and have, in the process, given away / donated / sold / upcycled / thrown away over 60% (if not more) of my overall belongings.
Last year was ‘extreme’ in comparison to the other years as I started letting go of even more – everything that is excessive, not needed, not used, not loved etc. THIS, ENABLED ME TO CREATE MORE TIME, SPACE AND ENERGY FOR WHAT MATTERS THE MOST IN MY LIFE.
Since the end of March this year, I’ve spent my days focusing on slowing down and taking in the beauty of what my day-to-day life brings my way and most importantly; I’ve been putting myself and my needs before anything else;
- Rising with the Sun
- Meditation and a quick Yoga session
- A cup of comforting biscuit tea with oat milk while reading on my Kindle
- Journaling
- Going for long walks while listening to audiobooks
- Cooking and eating a nourishing breakfast
… and THEN, I’ll start my workday.
This whole process has been life-changing, to say the least. I know these are all small and simple things but put together – they’ve changed me and how I live my life.
Since entering my #BlissfulForties (this is my magical number by the way), I’ve always aimed for a slow pace of life and it feels helpful to pause seasonally so I can notice and tell the truth about what is and is not working well and how I’d like to move forward. It’s very easy for me to raise the bar on myself (I do this unconsciously but fortunately catch myself fairly quickly and then shift course).
‘The Story of the Mexican Fisherman‘ is my inspiration (and a reminder) to slow down, reassess my life, and get real about how I want to live my life.
May you find space to rest x
Feel free to sign up to my Sunday Morning Letters HERE! It's like having a cup of tea and a chat with me on Sunday mornings - a strong dose of inspiration and encouragement to help you Curate & Live a Well-Designed Life; Consciously, Intentionally & Wholeheartedly. I want you to live your life fully - each day, less on autopilot and more on purpose - living a life of meaning ♡
[…] my mind, Autumn is all about turning inwards, slowing down, letting go. To ground, turn inwards, find stillness and clarity. In autumn, we are preparing […]