Enjoy Each Moment: Practical Ways to Slow Down Today

It is no news that we live in a fast-paced world. I, for one, feel most days that I am constantly running around trying to catch something - even though I’m not always sure what that something is. I know that I personally have to stop sometimes and consciously slow down. When I do, I remember that there really is no rush - as much as I often make myself believe. I mean, I have written on cultivating a slower and simpler life before, so it definitely is on my mind. Here are some ways that you can slow down today, and just be.

Do Less

It is okay to say, “no” to things. It is perfectly fine to have less on your plate. There is no rule that says you have to be involved in everything at all times. Try to avoid filling your plate with activities and responsibilities that cause you stress and do not require your attention. Take time to sit and breathe. Just, do less.

Be Present

Give the attention to loved ones that they deserve. Put devices away (turn off those notifications too!) and spend quality time with others. Be there to listen, really listen, and ask questions. Be aware of yourself; your breathing, your bones. Don’t dwell in the past. Be, present.

Related: How to Cultivate a Slower and Simpler Life

One Task at a Time

Avoid multitasking (since it’s been proven a myth anyway) and give your all to a single task at a time. You may find that you finish tasks quicker and more efficiently this way, which will give you another bout of contented feelings.

Disconnect

I mentioned this already, but don’t be afraid to put your devices away for some time. Be conscious about taking space away from the world you keep in your pocket. Our phones and computers connect us to so much, but it’s good to take some time away from that.

Be in Nature

Being in nature is such a great way to slow down and enjoy some peace. I personally love being near water and listening to it in all forms - waves on a shore, pounding from a waterfall, rushing river...you name it. You may prefer being in the woods listening to the trees sway and hearing their occupants singing songs. I know people who love the desert. Whatever your preference, take some time in nature, taking in the wondrous sights and sounds.

Practice Gratitude

Be conscious of the things you are grateful for every day - not just once a year on Thanksgiving. The more you practice gratitude, the more natural it will become, and the more content you will feel.

Eat Slower

Oh, eating slow. It seems as though our culture often makes us rush everything, including the time we take to nourish and rest ourselves. I have often thought to myself, “oh, if only I didn’t need to eat - I could accomplish so much!” Resist the temptation, however, to rush your eating. Not only will your stomach thank you, you will enjoy food that much more. Take the time to enjoy the scents and flavours of your meals. Enjoy those you share your meal with. 

Related: Gathering with Intention and Simplicity

Drive Slower

This may sound like a weird one, but I find that when I drive slower (by slower, I mean not speeding, ahem), I feel so great! Hear me out - I did it once and felt amazing and so I’ve been testing it often. And lo and behold - I feel more relaxed behind the wheel. I feel more alert of what’s around me (I do try to avoid accidents when I can). I enjoy the scenery and appreciate different surroundings...trust me. Try it. Your slow life will thank you.

Focus on Others

I believe that we were created for relationships. When we take the focus off ourselves and focus on others and meeting their needs, a wonderful phenomenon happens. We feel happy and content and joyful. I’m not talking about neglecting your needs, however; we can’t help others when we are lacking. See what happens when you consciously focus on doing something (even something small) for someone else. You might forget that you weren’t feeling so great.

Breathe

Our lungs do amazing things for our bodies. The oxygen we take in is required for our bodies to function. Afterall, we can’t live long without air in comparison to even food and water! If you are feeling stressed, take some time to take a few deep breaths. If you can’t sleep, breathe deeply. Take time to breathe consciously.

Take Time to Pray

Praying and meditating on Scripture does wonders for the slow life. I personally like doing it early in the morning to set the tone in my day, but you can take time whenever you like.

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How do you take time to slow down every day?

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Will I Be Still?

We live in a noisy world.

A few months ago, as I sat at my desk to work, I became aware of the theme from Family Feud playing. I knew that it was Family Feud because I used to watch it with my siblings growing up (an unimportant detail). I realized it couldn’t be coming from our little apartment, since we owned no TV or loudspeakers, and I was home alone. The floor started vibrating from the intense frequencies, and it clicked that it was our downstairs neighbors, who often had the TV volume turned all the way up (or at least it sounded that way).

I relocated to my husband’s empty office, and not seconds after getting myself comfortable in his cushy swivel chair, a car alarm sounded—ringing through the air for a good amount of time before being shut off. A truck then sped out of the neighboring community. I hope whoever it was wasn’t trying to be stealthy because the whole block heard them.

I thought that just maybe, it was now my turn. My turn to have silence. However, people across the way started shouting, and a convenience store truck (I didn’t even know those existed) started driving around wailing, “The Entertainer” out of its built-in speakers. The downstairs neighbors started wrestling elephants, and an exceptionally long train drove by. Judging from the duration of the tones, I’m guessing that every train car had its own horn to toot.

We live in a noisy world - or at least I do.

Intentionality Spotlight: Blog Love: Kaetlyn Anne

Today we continue with Intentionality Spotlight! Similar to Women of Intention, different bloggers are featured in an interview style. Unlike Women of Intention, the focus is more on their blogs themselves, as well as an area of intentionality in their life.

I am so excited to invite Kaetlyn Anne to talk with us today. I won't say too much about her beautiful and inspiring simple living blog since she'll be sharing it, but know that it's great.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your work, passions and interests?

I am a creator, blogger, and Etsy shop owner! I feel most like myself when I am creating—whether that be painting signs, fixing up old furniture, taking pictures, making videos, or even simply decorating a space in my home. A few of my favorite things in the world include sunshine, fresh flowers, a good cup of coffee, and Jesus.  I’m passionate about simplicity and intentional living and I strive to incorporate that into every aspect of my life!

I love how your blog focuses on bringing simple back in everything from wellness and what we eat to how we approach our everyday items. What made you begin your simple way of living and what made you want to share it with others?

Thank you! I began my journey to simple and natural living at the beginning of 2016. At that point, I had been struggling with depression and anxiety for over 6 years and I was ready to do something about it. I had been on antidepressants for a few months at that time, and while they helped me mentally, my physical body was failing. I knew there had to be some other way to find true health.

My mom raised me in a very health conscious home, so I began to actually apply what she taught me and look more closely to what I put into and onto my body. Slowly I began eating better, throwing out toxic bath and beauty products, incorporating essential oils into my daily life, etc. I began to simplify everything and slowly I began to feel better, and better, and better. Eventually I realized I was no longer struggling with darkness like I used to and it was all because I chose to be intentional about what I bought, what I used, and what I consumed.

I wanted to share this journey and way of life with others because I have seen and felt firsthand how much freedom it can truly bring, in our physical and mental health. Our culture is always going to “have the next big thing” that will make you “happier” or “healthier” or “wealthier” but I believe that those things can only be found by going back. To simple and to natural. I want others to discover the healing and nourishment found in God’s creations, not the world’s.

What is one other specific area in your life you find that intentionality is absolutely critical? How do you exercise mindfulness in it?

I think that being intentional in prayer time and Jesus time is beyond important. I hate to admit that there are many days where I would like to speed through and get on with my day without taking the time to sit in His presence, but whenever I skip that critical time, my soul just feels off!  

If I’m not intentional about this, I can easily find myself opening the Instagram app more than I open my Bible, and that is not how I want to live my life. I have gotten into the habit of not even turning my phone on in the morning until I have had time with Jesus, as well as setting a “curfew” for myself to turn my phone off at night so I can be intentional and let God guide my evenings as well. 

If you could give one piece of advice about prayer to someone who struggles with it, what would you tell them?

Find a time of the day that you can fully dedicate to Jesus and stick to it. It may take a long time to develop the habit, but it is well worth it. Find a place in your house where you feel cozy and peaceful, and meet Him there daily. Leave all distractions behind! (That means your phone J) I’m definitely not always perfect with this, but I know God sees and is pleased with our every attempt to get to Him and sit with Him. He’s standing there with open arms every time!

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Find Kaetlyn on her website or on Instagram

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Asian Style Noodle Salad

Since the weather has warmed up tremendously, I'm more eager for cold, fresh salads to be on the table. I also have a crazy huge weakness for all things pasta, so although I would love chomping on tomatoes and cucumbers all summer (oh my. I'm hungry now!), once in a while, I crave some starch!

Pasta, however, does not provide the crunch I crave come summertime. My mom always makes this delicious Asian salad with ramen and a delicious ginger dressing, so I decided to do a take on it and see what I could come up with. 

It has been a crazy summer, and since this can be whipped up quickly in a pinch, this is perfect. The dressing can be made ahead for even faster assembly.

Simple Asain-Style Noodle Salad

What You Need:

• 4 ounces chopped or grated carrots

• 12 ounces (or more!) chopped red cabbage

• 12 ounces chopped broccoli

• About 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (I used soba noodles)

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or lemon juice)

• 3 TBSP agave nectar

• 3 TBSP natural creamy peanut butter

• 3 TBSP low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tsp minced garlic

• 1 TBSP minced fresh ginger

• 1/2 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

What to Do:

1. Cook the noodles until al dente (follow package directions).

2. Drain and rinse with cool water and transfer to a large serving bowl.

3. Add the red cabbage, broccoli and carrots.

4. Whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, peanut butter, agave, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

5. Pour over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.

6. Add the peanuts and cilantro.

7. Serve chilled.

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What's your favourite summertime salad? 

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Women of Intention Week Ten: Simple Living

Welcome to week ten of the series, Women of Intention! We are just over halfway through and Maple Alps will continue to feature a woman every week who will talk about intentionality in specific areas in her life. So glad you've decided to stop by! For more information, and a list of topics, visit our introduction post HERE. 

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THIS WEEK'S INTENTIONAL WOMAN:

Today, we are going to meet Stefanie of Simple Acres, an inspiring blog full of natural health, farming,home decor, art and humour!

Today, Stefanie will be talking to us about simple living and how it has benefitted her and her family.

After reading this post, be sure to check out Stefanie's blog and share this post :)

Find Stefanie on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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Tell us a bit about yourself: What are you passions, work and interests?

My name is Stefanie. I am a very passionate person. I'm a mom of three, wife to my high school sweetheart, Registered Dietitian and entrepreneur . I'm passionate about my family first. Secondly, I find value in helping people find quality of life and success through self care and simple living.

What would you say simple living is and how does it tie into your intentional living?

Simple living is deeper to me than how to up cycle an old spoon or make an affordable yummy meal...simple living is leaning into that inner voice that guides your life to truth, joy and purpose. At Simple Acres I DO offer simple ways to be creative and nourish yourself and family but I also write about being present, intentional and grateful in life.

How can one adapt a simple lifestyle - what does it practically look like, and how can it be of benefit?

First off I believe to simplify lifestyle requires perspective. Perspective of what truly matters in the grand scheme of life. To me relationship is the most important thing we have as well as the memories we create with the people we love. With that perspective it makes reducing the excess is life easier, whether it is too many things that stress us out or steal our time or over commitment that robs our joy in the present.

On your blog, you talk about country living being in your blood. How has nature played a role in this lifestyle of yours? Do you think things would be different if you lived or grew up or lived in the city?

I was born in Wyoming. I have endless memories of fishing with my parents and being in the mountains hiking and viewing animals. Those type of memories stick with me. They created a sense of oneness with nature and ultimately a connection with the Creator Himself. No matter where I am I definitely crave open space and nature because that is where I feel the best in life. I grew up later in life in the city so id say for me it's the first foundation of life that created who I feel I am related to nature. This is what inspires me to raise my kids on a farm setting.

What would you say to encourage someone who wishes to live simply but is having a hard time?

First I'd like to say, I feel your struggle as I do to. Simple living and the mindset of focusing on less to ultimately have more (peace, joy and presence)is a learning journey I am on as well. I would say take it one day at a time, reflect on gratitude and SAVOUR the moment you are in! Every aspect of life offers joy from a delicious meal with a friend to the kiss of your sweet child. The details in life like organizing, spending, decorating, cooking...whatever you feel the need to simplify start in one area of your life at a time... It's a journey worth being patient with yourself with. 

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What about you? What helps you be intentional in your life? What do you think about simple living? Why don't you tell us about it in the comments, and connect with us on social media?

(Don't forget to use the hashtag #WomenOfIntention16 so no one misses it!)