6 Slow-Living Practices to Try This Winter

As the colder months settle in, there’s a natural urge to slow down, cozy up, and embrace the quiet beauty of winter. It’s the perfect time to explore slow-living practices that nurture your well-being, spark creativity, and bring more intentionality to your days.

Slow living isn’t about doing less for the sake of it—it’s about doing what matters most, at a pace that feels right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned slow-living enthusiast or just dipping your toes into this mindful lifestyle, winter offers a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and savor the moment.

Here are six slow-living practices to try this winter:

1. Create a Morning Ritual You Love

Winter mornings invite a slower start, making it the perfect time to embrace a gentle routine. Whether it’s sipping tea while journaling, enjoying a quiet meditation, or simply lighting a candle and stretching, find a ritual that grounds you before the day begins. A mindful morning sets the tone for intentionality and ease.

2. Embrace Seasonal Creativity

Winter is ideal for cozy indoor projects that fuel your imagination. Try your hand at knitting, painting, baking, sketching, or creating a vision board for the year ahead. Choose something that brings you joy, not pressure—this is about play, not perfection.

3. Practice Gratitude Through Reflection

Take advantage of the stillness of winter to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Spend a few moments each evening jotting down three things that brought you joy that day. This simple practice can shift your focus toward abundance and help you find beauty in the everyday.

4. Get Outside and Embrace the Chill

Slow living isn’t just about cozying up indoors—it’s also about reconnecting with nature. Bundle up and take a mindful walk in the crisp winter air. Notice the way the frost sparkles, the sound of snow underfoot, or the bare beauty of the trees. Let the season inspire you to slow down and be present.

5. Or Stay Inside and Play

Let’s face it: not all of us are outdoorsy types. Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy your favorite cozy video games, curl up on the couch with your Switch, work on a jigsaw or crossword puzzle, or learn a new board game. Pick something that makes you feel happy, explorative, cozy, and maybe a bit inquisitive.

6. Savor Warm, Nourishing Meals

Cooking can be a meditative and grounding practice, especially in winter. Try preparing simple, hearty meals like soups, stews, or roasted vegetables. Savor the process of chopping, stirring, and smelling the rich, comforting aromas. Share these meals with loved ones or enjoy them as an act of self-care.

Winter: A Season for Connection and Care

These slow-living practices aren’t just about filling time—they’re about creating space for what truly matters. Whether it’s fostering a connection with yourself, loved ones, or nature, winter is a season to lean into care and intention.

Looking for more ways to embrace creativity, self-care, and intentional living? My Glow Kit is your go-to resource for crafting an aligned, joyful, and fulfilling life. With activities and tools designed to inspire and nurture your well-being, it’s the perfect companion for your slow-living journey this winter. [Click here to learn more!]

What’s your favorite way to embrace slow living in winter? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!

The Power of Saying No: Setting Boundaries for a Better Year

If you’re like me—a recovering people pleaser—then the thought of saying no might make you a little uncomfortable. Or a lot uncomfortable. I used to say yes to just about everything: extra work projects, volunteering for school events, last-minute favors. I convinced myself it was easier to just agree than to disappoint someone or (gasp!) appear unhelpful.

But here’s the kicker: every time I said yes to something that didn’t align with my priorities, I was essentially saying no to myself. No to my well-being. No to my time. No to the things that mattered most to me.

It took years to unlearn the belief that saying no was selfish. (And, honestly, I still don’t get it right every time.) But in reality, saying no is one of the most generous things you can do—for yourself and for others. It protects your energy, preserves your mental health, and ensures you’re showing up fully for the things (and people) that matter most.

Why Saying No Is So Hard

Let’s face it: society doesn’t make it easy, especially for women. Many of us are conditioned to be helpers, nurturers, and caretakers. Saying no feels like we’re rejecting someone, shirking responsibility, or worse, being “difficult.”

But here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges. They connect us to a version of ourselves that is healthier, happier, and more aligned with our values. And setting those boundaries starts with getting comfortable saying no.

The Benefits of Saying No

When you start to embrace the power of no, here’s what happens:

• You reclaim your time: Every yes takes time away from something else. Saying no allows you to focus on what truly matters.

• You protect your energy: No more pouring from an empty cup. Setting boundaries helps you conserve energy for things that light you up.

• You reduce resentment: Saying yes when you really want to say no often leads to frustration and burnout. Saying no helps you stay true to yourself.

• You set an example: When you honor your boundaries, you inspire others to do the same.

A Personal Story: My “Aha” Moment with Boundaries

For me, the turning point came during a particularly chaotic holiday season. Between my usual work and home responsibilities, seasonal shopping, baking, cooking, and hosting, I somehow thought it was a good idea to agree to organize a holiday event for my son’s school. By the end of it, I was physically drained and emotionally spent. I wasn’t sleeping well, caught a cold, and couldn’t even enjoy Christmas Day like I usually did. I realized my illness and exhaustion weren’t just a result of the busy season. They were self-inflicted. I had said yes to everything without stopping to ask myself if I could or even wanted to.

That was when I decided to start practicing the art of saying no. The next time a similar request came up, I paused. Instead of responding immediately, I gave myself time to think it through. (“Let me think about it” and “I’ll get back to you” became new, comfortable catchphrases.) Did I have the time? The energy? The desire? If the answer was no, I politely declined. And guess what? The world didn’t end. The dinner still happened. The cookies still got made—just not by me. And my son’s school? They found another parent who was not only willing but excited to take the reins.

Tips for Saying No with Confidence

If saying no feels daunting, start small. Here are a few ways to ease into it:

1. Practice polite refusals: “I really appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m unable to commit to that right now.”

2. Delay your response: Buy yourself time with phrases like, “Let me check my schedule and get back to you.”

3. Offer alternatives: “I can’t help with that, but have you considered asking [name]?”

4. Own your no: You don’t have to over-explain. A simple, “No, thank you,” is enough.

Pro Tip: If saying no feels impossible, consider asking for help instead. Overextended? See if a friend, coworker, or family member can pitch in. Delegating doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re honoring your limits and making space for what matters.

Empower Yourself in 2024

Saying no isn’t about being unkind—it’s about being intentional. It’s about choosing where your time and energy go so you can live a life that feels aligned and fulfilling.

As you step into the new year, I challenge you to practice saying no at least once a week. Start small, and notice how it feels to honor your boundaries. Over time, you’ll find that each no creates space for more meaningful yeses.

Ready to prioritize what matters most? My Slow-Living Goal-Setting System is packed with tools to help you create boundaries, set goals, and design a life you love. Check it out here.

How to Make Time for What Matters Most

Time is one of our most precious resources, yet it often feels like there’s never enough of it. Between work, family, and personal responsibilities, the days can slip by in a blur, leaving little room for the things that truly matter. But what if you could take a closer look at how you spend your time and realign it with your values?

For me, this realization hit during the pandemic. Like many people, I started getting my groceries delivered. It was a way to minimize exposure and save time, and at first, I thought I’d go back to shopping in person when things settled down. But even as life returned to a new normal, I kept the delivery service because I realized something important: I wasn’t just saving time—I was reclaiming it.

Instead of spending an hour (or more) driving to the store, walking up and down the aisles, and standing in checkout lines, I could use that time in ways that felt more meaningful to me. Whether it was working on my business, playing Roblox with my son, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, the shift helped me focus on what really matters in my life.

This small change reminded me that time management isn’t just about being efficient—it’s about being intentional. It’s about asking, What do I value most? and then making choices that reflect those values.

3 Steps to Align Your Time with Your Values

1. Identify What Truly Matters

Take a moment to think about what’s most important to you. Is it spending quality time with loved ones? Pursuing a creative passion? Growing your business? Write down your top three priorities so you have a clear picture of what you’re working toward.

2. Reevaluate Your Daily Tasks

Not everything on your to-do list deserves your time and energy. Take a close look at your daily and weekly routines. Are there tasks you can outsource, simplify, or even eliminate altogether? For example, as a business owner, I like to think about how much my time is worth per hour. If there’s something I have to do (but don’t want to) that costs less to outsource than what I charge for my own time, I’ll pay someone else to do it.

This mindset has been a game-changer for me, whether it’s hiring someone to clean the house, manage a small admin task, or handle a to-do list item that doesn’t require my personal attention. It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about recognizing the value of your time and energy and using them wisely.

3. Protect Your Time with Boundaries

Once you’ve reclaimed your time, protect it. Set boundaries with others (and yourself!) to ensure you’re using your time for the things that matter most. Remember, it’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your priorities.

Time Is an Investment in What You Value

Making time for what matters most isn’t always about doing less—it’s about doing what’s meaningful. When you align your time with your values, you create space for the things that bring you joy, fulfillment, and purpose. For me, a slight shift like grocery delivery turned into a big lesson about how I want to live and work: with more intention, less stress, and a focus on what truly matters.

If you’re looking for more ways to prioritize your time and align your actions with your values, check out my Slow-Living Goal-Setting System. It’s designed to help you take intentional steps toward a life and business that genuinely reflect what matters most to you.

What small change could you make today to reclaim your time? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!

Reflect and Reset: Simple Ways to Close Out the Year Mindfully

As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what this year brought—both the wins I’m celebrating and the lessons I’m carrying forward.

One of the things I’m most proud of is showing up for my business every single day, even in the smallest of ways. Whether it was writing an email, brainstorming new ideas, or planning content, I kept showing up. That consistency felt deeply rewarding.

But I also learned something important: just because I’m making progress doesn’t mean my people-pleasing and perfectionism tendencies magically disappear. I’ve noticed how those habits can sneak in and sometimes lead me to avoid hard things or stick my head in the sand. It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning to embrace the mantra: done is good enough.

This time of year is the perfect opportunity to reflect on everything you’ve experienced—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

Start by asking yourself a few reflective questions:

• What brought you joy this year?

• What felt challenging, and how did you navigate those moments?

• What lessons did you learn, and how have they shaped you?

Try this:
Jot down highlights, lowlights, and lessons learned in your journal, or create a visual collage of the year’s key moments.

Prompt idea:
What’s one thing you’re most proud of this year, and why?

Even a short reflection can remind you of how much you’ve grown and help you see patterns in your journey.

Release What No Longer Serves You

Letting go is one of the most freeing things we can do. For me, social media has been a big area of reflection this year. I pushed myself to show up, especially on TikTok, and while I was proud of trying something new, I eventually hit burnout from trying to “keep up.”

I’m still figuring out whether I’ll let it go completely, but I’ve decided this: I’m only going to use platforms and techniques that feel genuinely good in my business and life. No more doing things because I think I have to or because someone else is doing them.

If that resonates with you, here are a few ideas to help you release what’s no longer serving you:

A few ideas:

• Write a list of what you’re ready to leave behind in 2024, and burn or discard it as a symbolic gesture.

• Declutter a small space—like a drawer, a desktop, or a folder on your computer. Create physical space to reflect the mental clarity you’re inviting in.

• Take a walk and imagine letting go of a heavy weight with each step you take.

Try this:
Write down one thing you’re ready to release and say goodbye to it with kindness.

Set Gentle Intentions for the New Year

Instead of rigid resolutions, I’m focusing on feelings I want to carry into 2025. For me, that means continuing to feel proud of showing up for myself and my business, finding fulfillment in helping amazing women, and creating room for my creativity and slow-living practices.

If you’re setting intentions, here are a few ideas to guide you:

Examples:

• “I will make space for rest.”

• “I will nurture my creativity.”

• “I will connect deeply with my purpose.”

Pro tip:
Keep your intentions visible—on a sticky note, in a journal, or as a phone background. It’s a simple way to stay connected to what matters most.

Create a New Year’s Ritual

One of my favorite ways to ground myself as the year transitions is through small, meaningful rituals. Each week, I start with personal time to journal, freewrite, and plan what’s ahead. I also focus on a specific theme for my business to stay intentional and inspired.

I’m carving out daily time just for me—whether it’s walking, stretching, reading, writing, gaming, or a mix of all of the above. These rituals remind me that taking care of myself is essential, not optional.

Ideas to try:

• Light a candle and take a few deep breaths to welcome the new year with calm and intention.

• Do a short tarot or oracle card reading—try this New Year’s Tarot Spread to glimpse what’s ahead, or do a three-card pull to reflect on the past, present, and future.

• Write a letter to your future self, sharing your hopes and dreams for the year ahead.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of a Reflect and Reset practice is that it’s deeply personal. Whether you spend five minutes or an entire afternoon, what matters most is creating space to honor yourself and your journey.

This year, I’m letting go of what no longer feels good, embracing progress over perfection, and showing up for what matters—with joy, clarity, and intention.

The path forward doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel true to you. Here’s to a beautiful 2025.

How to Start a Simple Self-Care Ritual for the New Year

The start of a new year often comes with resolutions and big plans to transform our lives. But sometimes, the most meaningful changes happen in the smallest moments. That’s why starting a simple self-care ritual can be one of the best things you do for yourself this year.

Self-care isn’t about grand gestures or elaborate routines. It’s about creating space in your day to reconnect with yourself, recharge, and nurture your well-being.

Here’s how you can start your own simple self-care ritual and set the tone for a more intentional, balanced year.

What Is a Self-Care Ritual?

A self-care ritual is more than just a habit—it’s a deliberate, meaningful act of care you give yourself. Unlike tasks on a to-do list, a ritual invites mindfulness and presence. It could be as simple as enjoying your morning coffee without distractions or spending 10 minutes journaling before bed.

The key is to make it personal and intentional. A self-care ritual is something you look forward to—a moment in your day that’s entirely yours.

Why Start a Self-Care Ritual in the New Year?

The new year is a natural time to reset and refocus, but it can also bring pressure to set ambitious goals. A self-care ritual offers a gentler, more sustainable way to prioritize your well-being.

Here’s why it matters:

• It grounds you in the present. A daily ritual can help you stay connected to what matters most.

• It builds consistency. Starting small makes it easier to stick with self-care over time.

• It supports your mental health. Regular moments of care can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

How to Create Your Simple Self-Care Ritual

Ready to start? Here are three easy steps to create a self-care ritual that feels right for you:

1. Pick Something You Love
   Choose an activity that feels nourishing and joyful. It could be sipping tea, stretching, reading, or meditating. The simpler, the better.

2. Make It Manageable
   Start with just 5–10 minutes a day. The goal is to create a ritual that fits seamlessly into your life, not one that adds pressure.

3. Anchor It to Your Day
   Connect your ritual to something you already do, like waking up or winding down. For example:

   • After brushing your teeth, spend 5 minutes journaling.

   • Before bed, light a candle and practice deep breathing.

   • While your coffee brews, take a moment to stretch and reflect.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Meaningful

The beauty of a self-care ritual is its simplicity. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to be the same every day. What matters most is showing up for yourself—consistently, intentionally, and with love.

As you ease into the new year, let your self-care ritual be a reminder that you are worth the time and care you give yourself.

Need Inspiration?

If you’re ready to prioritize yourself this year but don’t know where to start, check out my Glow at Your Own Pace creative toolkit. It’s packed with actionable ideas and tools to help you slow down, reconnect, and thrive.