A Cultural Shift
In a world that is spinning ever faster, there’s a quiet movement growing—one that whispers instead of shouts, that values presence over productivity, and that seeks to live not more, but more meaningfully. This is where I find myself. Not in some Instagram trend or seasonal fad, but in a shift of culture, a shift of priorities. A return to a slower, simpler life. A return to the outdoors, to purpose, to timeless skills, and to the quiet satisfaction of a life well-lived.
Whether I am in the garden, the barnyard, the kitchen, or out and about with my kiddos, this mindset invites me to slow down, reconnect, and thrive right where I am.
Presence over Perfection
This shift isn’t about perfection. It’s about participation. And that can be challenging for a person who has spent her whole live striving for perfection. I am slowly learning that doing the best that I can do is enough, being always ready to learn and grow but without the pressure of achieving some end result or reaching a final destination. I am learning that the joy is in the journey.
Other people who are embracing a similar lifestyle shift have many different motivators that drive them, fear, food security, a desire for independence from systems, or a longing to live more in tune with their values. For me, it is about waking up everyday and choosing to live with purpose and intentionality. It’s about noticing God’s hand in life all around me. It’s about connecting deeply with my family and the community around me and being fully present for the people in my life. It’s about learning how to do things myself by hand and then passing on that knowledge to my children.
Rethinking Consumption
A huge hindrance to this slower, simpler way of life is the current ways of our society. We have bought into this idea of the American Dream, which for most simply means having the means to afford all the luxuries and comforts of modern living. But if you take a step back and assess the situation, people stress and work to accumulate things so they can stress about their things and work more to maintain them. And the ironic thing is, eventually, for those who make it and achieve this ultimate success of financial freedom, that wealth is ultimately used to afford that person time to slow down and be present. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can redefine our dream and idea of success. Instead of being driven by our consumption, we can choose to be content. We can stop wasting our time and money and energy in this quest to acquire more and achieve more, and instead can choose to simplify, to be content, and to live for a purpose greater than achievement. Instead of being consumers, we can be contributors in the community we are planted in, giving more than we take and living our life in a way that benefits those around us, not just ourself.
Simple Steps to Start —Wherever You Are
You don’t have to move off-grid to a 40 acre homestead and grow or make everything you consume. You can start making small shifts today right where you are. You start by making one small change, adding one new habit. Here are some easy ways to get started.
Spend Time Outside: Go for a walk. Plant a small garden. Set up an inviting place to sit on your back porch or patio. Slow down and enjoy the sounds of nature, the feel of the breeze. Spending time outdoors is a great way to reset your pace and rhythm.
Learn to Cook from Scratch: Start with one new skill or recipe a month. Swap processed foods for homemade breads, soups, and snacks. Before you know it, you will be whipping up homemade from scratch meals from memory and with ease.
Prioritize Time with Family: Be intentional about family time. Plan it into your routine. Whether sitting down together for meals, playing games, or going outdoors together, make sure that there is margin in the day to spend time with the people that matter most in your life.
Invite a neighbor over for dinner: Having a close knit community with neighbors use to be common place, but now many people never see their neighbors, let alone talk to them or even know their name. Be intentional to make connections with the people you pass day to day. A friendly conversation over dinner is a great place to start building those connections.
Final Thoughts
This is your invitation to live with intention—and a reminder that a meaningful life isn’t found in convenience, but in connection. You don’t need to go off-grid to live more more intentionally. You just need a willing heart, a curious mind, and the courage to start where you are.
Let this be the year you slow down and simplify, plant that seed, learn that skill, bake that bread, and connect more deeply with those around you. The journey to a simpler, more sustainable life begins with a single step—and you’re already on the path.
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