...and my new dreams to fix my real world. That’s the thing about slow living, I don’t think it really exists. I think it’s something we imagine, it’s made up and we just play along. At least, I used to play along. Real life, however, is far from simple. I just don’t understand how I can live a slow life as a parent of 3, newly discovered neurodivergent, in charge of raising neurodiverse children, one with unpredictable health issues, all the while battling with postnatal depression, whilst trying not to get into more d
It sounds like you're figuring out how slow living can work for you in this new season of life. Don't be afraid to change and evolve 💕 also would love to collaborate!
Thank you for voicing the choice to include both sides in one Substack. I had the same question coming up last week, if I should start a new substack for a similar business venture like yours (offering technical and strategic guidance for new coaches) and now you show me that it all can be done in one thing.
I'm sorry for what you're experiencing in your life and as a small business owner I understand where you're coming from. I'm not sure that slow living is about calm, though. I don't have a family but I was my mother's caregiver and it was extremely overwhelming. Without the capacity to stop even for five minutes and appreciate the small things, I couldn't have been there for her at all. And even now, I suffer from chronic migraines two - three times a week. Without the tiny moments of joy from a sunset, my dogs walk and a cup of delightful coffee, I'd have broken down ages ago. Five minutes of calm in 24 hours of a day is nothing to shun because many people don't even find that. Excuse me for the long comment but I just wanted to share my perspective because it's a fascinating conversation. Looking forward to your updates!
THIS! You get it. I feel like I don't have the capacity to stop, or, if I do then everything goes wrong. If I dare to dream about something new or something just for me, something goes wrong or my baby's health deteriorates and I feel stupid for even considering it in the first place. But, I have to keep trying to get those five minutes. I don't think it helps that when I do get 5 minutes, my mind is just so overwhelmed with things that it's easier to not stop and pause. Does that make sense? Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate you taking time to share your perspective 🩶
I think slow living means different things in different contexts. Glimmers helped me through my intense parenting times. Like pressing pause for a few seconds. I could also cry in the car. I parented 2 neurodiverse kidlets before that was a term and helped my eldest through an eating disorder that nearly killed them. Glimmers. Saved me in the chaos.
I appreciate your share here. And building a life that’s creative and sustainable is so important. Perhaps I’ll DM you for a collaboration 💖
Glimmers - I love that. Do you mean in terms of moments of joy among the chaos? I'm sorry you've had a tough time, and selfishly I feel sort of comforted that you get it. I hope that doesn't come across as insensitive. I've just felt very isolated on this journey. Everyone else seems to be parenting perfect kids, and my family doesn't look like theirs at all. Social media for you though, hey?
Your article sparked a thought in me, Sophie - maybe slow living isn't about the absence of stress, but about how we navigate it. It's like that quote, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Maybe for us, slow living is about finding those pockets of calm amidst the chaos. It's about accepting that life is messy, and embracing those moments of stillness when they come, no matter how fleeting. You're not alone in this, and together, we can redefine what 'slow living' means for us.
I love this, Alexander! You are right, and I think I've been naive in thinking that slow living is all about the absence of stress. Which is ridiculous if you think about it, because life is full of stress. I suppose I've been awoken to the reality of slow living, and it's taken me a moment to grieve for that dream life I had pictured. I just need to figure out what comes next, and what my new slow, simple life looks like in amongst the chaos. Thank you for your comment! 😊
I agree with this - I doubt slow living is an actual thing in today's world. It's something we dream of but it doesn't really exist because our society isn't set up for us to live slowly. So many people talk about "opting out" and "slowing down" but do you actually personally know someone who has done that? And I cannot even imagine how difficult it must be for you as a parent of neurodiverse children. Your Substack plans sound great, by the way!
I think I have been quite naive to it all these years. I honestly thought that I'd 'achieved' slow living, and that would be me set for the rest of my life. I, obviously, knew that life comes with highs and lows, but I didn't think that would happen to me because I had my simple, slow life. I do think I'll get back there one day, when the time is right, but for now I'm navigating a new season, and a new tougher journey. I just need to find those moments that bring me joy in amongst the chaos. Thanks for your comment, Sascha 🩶
Life has a way of throwing us curveballs just when we think we are winning. I’m so sorry your little man has these health problems and hope it’s something that can improve. My biggest curveball - it was my last day at work before maternity leave, it was going to be my time for preparing for our first child - but I got home to an empty flat followed shortly by a policeman at the door to tell me my partner had been killed in a motorcycle accident. I’d be happy to do an interview around this and loan parenthood if that’s of interest. I’ll fill in your form too. My thinking is it’s so important to be supporting each other in our creative endeavours, which seems to be yours too. Together we rise! 💚
Thank you for sharing this, Bronwen. I'm so sorry you've had such an unimaginable experience. I think it's important to share our realities, or our curveballs, so that others feel less alone, and we can shine a light on life and show people that it's not always easy and perfect and happy like it can seem on social media. Together we do rise! 🩶
What a great idea to keep everything here and to keep the overwhelm down!
I think what you’re offering fits in with this publication.
Also, big hugs for what’s been going on with you lately. I’m sure we got the tip of the iceberg and it doesn’t even go into bedtime chaos, laundry and dinner overwhelmed and the stresses that come with having a sick child - while managing finances. **hugs**
So huge! Life can be so big for us. I so feel you in working for yourself and having to take time off. While I don’t have kids (yet!) I worked for myself for years and last year came down with so many health issues that I had to keep off work - and so that meant not getting paid and having to chew through my savings. I’ve since landed a full time job and while it doesn’t give me the freedom and slowness of my old job (as I now work more hours per work) it does give me other perks that actually does allow me to slow down in other ways (like call in sick when I am and get paid for it). I have craved the slow life because I think so many of us need it, but it can also look very different in the ways we try and embody it. Thank you for your truthfulness!
Hey Carly, sorry to hear about your health issues. Being self employed isn't as simple as it seems in these cases, is it? I'm glad you have found some sort of peace of mind in your new job, I'm sure that takes away some of the worry so you can concentrate on getting better.
Completely agree, I think it's important to show our realities and that slow living isn't as straightforward as it can seem. Thank you for sharing 🩶
I love this post (and I still have your last one open in my tabs to read it over again.) I'm going to take time today to reach out re/ guest posting or the interview series. Thank you!
Thank you for being so supportive of my writing, Alice. I really appreciate you! I'd love to collab, definitely let me know if that's something you'd like to do 🥰
Love the sound of this evolution of your offerings here, I’m sorry it’s been so rough for you but I can sense your determination and strength. Here alongside you for the journey xxx
I can totally relate to what you say about broken dreams and the struggles that come with parenting neurodivergent kids in a system that fights us continuously as well as managing health issues in the family. As you explore if slow life if possible, I'm similarly exploring how to find holy moments in the chaos of everyday life. Your new Substack shift sounds really exciting.
It sounds as though you've been through such a tough time. Hope things are a bit calmer for you now 🧡 I think your Substack plans sound fascinating and I'm excited to be following along with you.
It sounds like you're figuring out how slow living can work for you in this new season of life. Don't be afraid to change and evolve 💕 also would love to collaborate!
Thank you for voicing the choice to include both sides in one Substack. I had the same question coming up last week, if I should start a new substack for a similar business venture like yours (offering technical and strategic guidance for new coaches) and now you show me that it all can be done in one thing.
I'll DM you on Monday about the possibility of a collaboration. I've just gone over your forms and I'm feeling inspired. Speak soon. ✨
Yes please! I'd love to chat more. I think this is a seriously needed conversation that needs to be had and witnessed 🥰
I'm sorry for what you're experiencing in your life and as a small business owner I understand where you're coming from. I'm not sure that slow living is about calm, though. I don't have a family but I was my mother's caregiver and it was extremely overwhelming. Without the capacity to stop even for five minutes and appreciate the small things, I couldn't have been there for her at all. And even now, I suffer from chronic migraines two - three times a week. Without the tiny moments of joy from a sunset, my dogs walk and a cup of delightful coffee, I'd have broken down ages ago. Five minutes of calm in 24 hours of a day is nothing to shun because many people don't even find that. Excuse me for the long comment but I just wanted to share my perspective because it's a fascinating conversation. Looking forward to your updates!
THIS! You get it. I feel like I don't have the capacity to stop, or, if I do then everything goes wrong. If I dare to dream about something new or something just for me, something goes wrong or my baby's health deteriorates and I feel stupid for even considering it in the first place. But, I have to keep trying to get those five minutes. I don't think it helps that when I do get 5 minutes, my mind is just so overwhelmed with things that it's easier to not stop and pause. Does that make sense? Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate you taking time to share your perspective 🩶
I think slow living means different things in different contexts. Glimmers helped me through my intense parenting times. Like pressing pause for a few seconds. I could also cry in the car. I parented 2 neurodiverse kidlets before that was a term and helped my eldest through an eating disorder that nearly killed them. Glimmers. Saved me in the chaos.
I appreciate your share here. And building a life that’s creative and sustainable is so important. Perhaps I’ll DM you for a collaboration 💖
Glimmers - I love that. Do you mean in terms of moments of joy among the chaos? I'm sorry you've had a tough time, and selfishly I feel sort of comforted that you get it. I hope that doesn't come across as insensitive. I've just felt very isolated on this journey. Everyone else seems to be parenting perfect kids, and my family doesn't look like theirs at all. Social media for you though, hey?
Yes please! I'd love to chat more 🩶
Your article sparked a thought in me, Sophie - maybe slow living isn't about the absence of stress, but about how we navigate it. It's like that quote, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Maybe for us, slow living is about finding those pockets of calm amidst the chaos. It's about accepting that life is messy, and embracing those moments of stillness when they come, no matter how fleeting. You're not alone in this, and together, we can redefine what 'slow living' means for us.
I love this, Alexander! You are right, and I think I've been naive in thinking that slow living is all about the absence of stress. Which is ridiculous if you think about it, because life is full of stress. I suppose I've been awoken to the reality of slow living, and it's taken me a moment to grieve for that dream life I had pictured. I just need to figure out what comes next, and what my new slow, simple life looks like in amongst the chaos. Thank you for your comment! 😊
Beautifully put. I was trying to say something along those lines but you put it perfectly.
I agree with this - I doubt slow living is an actual thing in today's world. It's something we dream of but it doesn't really exist because our society isn't set up for us to live slowly. So many people talk about "opting out" and "slowing down" but do you actually personally know someone who has done that? And I cannot even imagine how difficult it must be for you as a parent of neurodiverse children. Your Substack plans sound great, by the way!
I think I have been quite naive to it all these years. I honestly thought that I'd 'achieved' slow living, and that would be me set for the rest of my life. I, obviously, knew that life comes with highs and lows, but I didn't think that would happen to me because I had my simple, slow life. I do think I'll get back there one day, when the time is right, but for now I'm navigating a new season, and a new tougher journey. I just need to find those moments that bring me joy in amongst the chaos. Thanks for your comment, Sascha 🩶
Life has a way of throwing us curveballs just when we think we are winning. I’m so sorry your little man has these health problems and hope it’s something that can improve. My biggest curveball - it was my last day at work before maternity leave, it was going to be my time for preparing for our first child - but I got home to an empty flat followed shortly by a policeman at the door to tell me my partner had been killed in a motorcycle accident. I’d be happy to do an interview around this and loan parenthood if that’s of interest. I’ll fill in your form too. My thinking is it’s so important to be supporting each other in our creative endeavours, which seems to be yours too. Together we rise! 💚
Thank you for sharing this, Bronwen. I'm so sorry you've had such an unimaginable experience. I think it's important to share our realities, or our curveballs, so that others feel less alone, and we can shine a light on life and show people that it's not always easy and perfect and happy like it can seem on social media. Together we do rise! 🩶
What a great idea to keep everything here and to keep the overwhelm down!
I think what you’re offering fits in with this publication.
Also, big hugs for what’s been going on with you lately. I’m sure we got the tip of the iceberg and it doesn’t even go into bedtime chaos, laundry and dinner overwhelmed and the stresses that come with having a sick child - while managing finances. **hugs**
Hey Mika! I think so, it definitely feels much simpler this way round.
Thank you 🩶 It's definitely a rough road at the moment, but I hope things can improve. I really appreciate your support 🥰
So huge! Life can be so big for us. I so feel you in working for yourself and having to take time off. While I don’t have kids (yet!) I worked for myself for years and last year came down with so many health issues that I had to keep off work - and so that meant not getting paid and having to chew through my savings. I’ve since landed a full time job and while it doesn’t give me the freedom and slowness of my old job (as I now work more hours per work) it does give me other perks that actually does allow me to slow down in other ways (like call in sick when I am and get paid for it). I have craved the slow life because I think so many of us need it, but it can also look very different in the ways we try and embody it. Thank you for your truthfulness!
Hey Carly, sorry to hear about your health issues. Being self employed isn't as simple as it seems in these cases, is it? I'm glad you have found some sort of peace of mind in your new job, I'm sure that takes away some of the worry so you can concentrate on getting better.
Completely agree, I think it's important to show our realities and that slow living isn't as straightforward as it can seem. Thank you for sharing 🩶
I love this post (and I still have your last one open in my tabs to read it over again.) I'm going to take time today to reach out re/ guest posting or the interview series. Thank you!
Thank you for being so supportive of my writing, Alice. I really appreciate you! I'd love to collab, definitely let me know if that's something you'd like to do 🥰
Brilliant post Sophie. 🤍
Thanks so much, Keeley! For everything 🩶
Love the sound of this evolution of your offerings here, I’m sorry it’s been so rough for you but I can sense your determination and strength. Here alongside you for the journey xxx
Thanks so much, Lauren! I’m so excited to get back to writing and helping more creatives 🥰
I can totally relate to what you say about broken dreams and the struggles that come with parenting neurodivergent kids in a system that fights us continuously as well as managing health issues in the family. As you explore if slow life if possible, I'm similarly exploring how to find holy moments in the chaos of everyday life. Your new Substack shift sounds really exciting.
Thank you for commenting, Faith! I appreciate your honesty. I hope you can find those moments 🥰
It sounds as though you've been through such a tough time. Hope things are a bit calmer for you now 🧡 I think your Substack plans sound fascinating and I'm excited to be following along with you.
Thanks so much for being here with me, Louise! I'm so excited to get back to writing and helping creatives 🩶