Finding Joy This Season: 5 Simple Ways I’m Slowing Down and Savoring the Moment

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Lately, I’ve felt the deep need to take a step back—

To slow down and reconnect with the simpler things in life.

Not the trends, not the numbers, not what the world says we should be chasing…

but the quiet things that bring me joy and gently refill my cup.

I want to focus on what truly matters—not on fitting into society’s mold.

Not on curating a life that pleases the algorithm, and definitely not on constantly wondering what others think of me.

I want to blog and do things for me—as a creative outlet, a return to joy, and a reminder of who I am outside the noise.

If I’m being completely honest, I need a break.

A break from comparison. From the pressure to constantly produce or hustle.

A break to just breathe and be present with the things that matter most—

my well-being, my marriage, and the soft, sacred space that is home.

So, I gave myself that space.

And in it, I found 5 small but meaningful things that are bringing me joy and peace in this new season.

I hope they inspire you to find your own little moments too—the kind that make you pause, smile, and see life with fresh eyes.

1. Soft Morning Ritual

From the time I can remember, I’ve always been a slow, calm morning kind of gal. I used to give myself plenty of time before school or work to be fully present—never rushing, just letting myself wake up gently before the day began.

But somewhere along the way, that peaceful rhythm slipped away. I started sleeping in and jumping straight into heavy work for both of my businesses, skipping the little things that used to bring me joy. My mornings stopped feeling like mine.

During this break, I returned to my roots and slowly reintroduced my soft, slow morning routine.

These days, I naturally wake up around 6:30 or 6:45 a.m. to the sunshine streaming through our curtains.

I greet our little chickies and ducks, open the back screen door to let in the fresh air, and start my coffee brewing.

While it’s finishing, I do a simple, grounding task—refreshing their water and food. It takes only five minutes, but it brings me back into my body and into the present.

Then, coffee in hand, I sit and soak it all in: the chirping birds, the quacking ducks (which always make me laugh), and the soft golden light pouring into the room. It’s such a funny but calming sound—the ducks drinking water—and somehow it never fails to make me smile.

I sit quietly for a few minutes, reflecting on the day ahead or simply savoring the stillness. The sunshine, the breeze, the taste of warm coffee, the presence of life around me—it’s the slowest, most meaningful way I could imagine starting the day.

2. Surrounding Myself With Nature 

Lately, I’ve been craving those quiet outdoor moments—the kind that gently remind me how small the noise in my head really is.

Nature has always been a place of release for me, a space where I can breathe deeper and let go of the chaos swirling around.

So I’ve started making it a priority to sit outside with our ducks and chickens, or to walk around the lake near our house without music or distractions—just letting the sights, sounds, and stillness of the world around me sink in.

I also began tending to a garden again, but this time with a different mindset. It’s no longer a chore or task to check off—but instead, a kind of moving meditation.

Whether I’m planting seeds or pulling weeds, I find myself slowly letting go of overthinking and grounding into the moment, fully present with what’s in front of me.

3.  Embracing Soft Beauty Moments

Something has shifted in the way I care for myself lately.

I’ve started leaning into the little beauty rituals that make me feel more like me—like moving slowly through my skincare routine, or adding a soft touch of blush just because it brings a hint of glow back to my face and spirit.

These moments aren’t about vanity or chasing perfection. They’re about presence. About feeling human again. Worthy of care, even when no one’s watching.

I’ve also made it a point to get myself ready each morning—not for anyone else, but to feel more put together and confident in my own skin.

Rather than tossing on a random outfit or skipping my hair and makeup, I’ve been choosing pieces I love and giving myself a few extra minutes to feel intentional and feminine in how I show up.

Even my evenings look different now. I no longer rush through my nighttime routine or move through it on autopilot. I take my time—nourishing my body, massaging in my skincare, and letting the day melt off slowly.

It’s become a way to honor myself again. A quiet reminder that I don’t have to do anything to deserve this kind of care. I already do—simply because I exist.

4. Mindset Shift & Letting go of Perfection 

One line from a journal prompt recently landed straight on my heart:

“You don’t have to earn your rest.”

I sat with that for a while.

How many times have I tied my worth to how much I get done, how productive I am, or how well I perform for others?

For so long, I treated rest like a reward—something I had to work hard enough to deserve. But the truth is, rest isn’t a reward. It’s a rhythm.

I’ve started reminding myself daily that slowness isn’t laziness. Softness isn’t weakness. I’m allowed to step back, to breathe, and to just be—without apology or guilt.

Another quote I came across recently felt like a deep exhale:

“Sometimes you have to slow down to let the beauty of life catch up to you.”

And let me tell you—that one hit me hard.

I was so wrapped up in the hustle, the constant go-go-go, that I hadn’t realized how many beautiful moments were flying right past me.

Choosing presence, for me, has meant releasing the pressure to always be moving forward… and instead, finally learning how to stand still and soak in the life I already have.

Letting go of perfection is still something I’m learning, but choosing presence has helped me soften. It’s helped me embrace my life as it is—without comparison, without constant measuring up. Just gratitude, just being here, and finding peace in the now.

5. Quality Time With My Husband

As the weather warms up and life feels like it’s starting to slow down a bit…

or maybe I’m just convincing myself it is 🤪

My husband and I have been soaking up every chance to get outside together.

Lately, that’s looked like spontaneous pickleball matches in our driveway (highly recommend—it’s so much fun!)

or simply sitting out on our back patio, wrapped in each other’s company and the sweet sound of spring birds chirping.

There’s something so grounding and peaceful about just being still together—no distractions, no rushing, just being.

When life gets busy and schedules don’t quite line up, it’s easy to feel like you barely see your husband—even when you live under the same roof.

I knew when Matt started his business that it would come with long days, late nights, and less time together than I’d like.

But—one of the sweetest surprises has been how intentional he’s been about setting boundaries between work and personal time.

Somehow, we’ve still carved out so many meaningful moments… and yes, our Sunday coffee dates are still going strong ☕

✨If you’ve been craving a slower pace or finding peace in simple things too… you’re not alone. Tell me—what’s one small thing that’s made you smile this week?✨