The Beauty of Slow Living and Rediscovering What Matters

I once equated busyness with success. Deadlines and to-do lists blurred my days, each achievement serving merely as a stepping stone to something bigger that might finally bring satisfaction. However, along the way, I realized that I was missing out on life’s quiet, simple joys. Now that we live in Florida, and in an area surrounded by nature, it consistently reminds me to slow down and simply enjoy the journey.

I find that society often defines slow living as lacking ambition, but the more I analyze it, the more I realize that this is very far from the truth. I don’t enjoy a schedule packed with back-to-back activities. Instead, I’d rather fill our days with meaningful experiences as we feel like it.

I do enjoy having daily routines, and this is not the same as a packed schedule. My mornings start with coffee, quiet time, and slowly easing into the day. There’s something sacred about those first hours—steam rising from my mug, birds just beginning their songs, and the world still soft around the edges. These rhythms provide structure without constraint. They gently framework and support my day rather than control it.

What’s the difference? A packed schedule leaves no room for spontaneity or rest. It’s rigid, often leaving you breathless as you race from one commitment to the next. A routine, on the other hand, offers comfort and predictability while maintaining flexibility. It’s the difference between being driven by external demands and moving at a pace that honors your own natural rhythms.

This distinction between rigid schedules and flexible routines isn’t just philosophical—it’s physiological. Research from the University of Minnesota found that consistent daily routines are associated with better physical health outcomes and improved mental well-being. The study showed that routines provide a sense of stability that actually reduces stress hormones like cortisol. In essence, those quiet morning rituals aren’t just pleasant—they’re creating the biological conditions for a calmer, healthier life.

Some of my most productive and creative moments emerge from these simple routines. They create pockets of calm where my mind can wander and explore without pressure. Isn’t it interesting how slowing down can actually help us accomplish more of what truly matters?

In the midst of the chaos of building a custom home, I try to find serenity in the simplest things. Surprisingly, I can honestly say that this homebuilding doesn’t truly stress me out. Although I handle some physical work that reminds my body I’m no longer in my 20s, technology helps me manage the mental aspects easily. Furthermore, I love that I’m learning so much throughout this process.

Finding Peace in Purpose

So yes, I have ambitions—and many of them. Yet slow living isn’t about abandoning ambition—it’s about refocusing on what truly matters. Over time, I’ve begun to relish long, unhurried breakfasts, deep conversations with friends, and even the art of doing nothing. These moments, though quiet, are filled with meaning. Ultimately, they remind me that life isn’t a race; rather, it’s a journey meant to be savored.

This intuitive approach is backed by science. A 2018 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that engaging in small, meaningful activities contributes significantly more to overall well-being than the pursuit of major achievements. Researchers discovered that ‘small pleasures experienced regularly’ had a stronger correlation with life satisfaction than ‘occasional large achievements.’ Those unhurried breakfasts and spontaneous neighborhood conversations aren’t just pleasant—they’re scientifically proven building blocks of a fulfilling life.

Have you ever noticed how the most meaningful moments often happen when you’re not rushing? Almost every day I encounter neighbors on my walk from the job site to home. What begins as a simple wave or greeting often turns into a fifteen-minute conversation about everything and nothing. These spontaneous connections wouldn’t happen if I were always hurrying from one commitment to the next.

Automation: A Path to Slower Living

Financial independence has become a powerful ally in our slow living journey. Through thoughtful automation, we’ve eliminated many of the small stressors that once consumed our mental energy. For instance, all our bills flow through autopay systems, removing the nagging worry about due dates or forgotten payments.

This automation is proving especially valuable during our home construction. In the first half of the project, we carefully ensured sufficient cash reserves were available—not just for our regular monthly expenses, but also for contractor payments and unexpected building costs for the month. With these financial guardrails in place, I could focus entirely on managing the project itself, rather than constantly worrying about whether we had enough funds to pay for the next delivery of materials or labor costs.

Having these funds readily accessible is critical when managing a construction project. Prompt payment to contractors isn’t just a courtesy—it’s an essential component of your professional reputation. In the construction industry, word travels quickly about clients who delay payments or create financial headaches. By establishing automated systems and maintaining adequate reserves, we positioned ourselves as reliable clients who respect the livelihood of our contractors and subcontractors.

This approach created a virtuous cycle: contractors who knew they would be paid promptly were more likely to prioritize our project, respond quickly to our needs, and maintain higher quality standards. The financial peace of mind translated directly into better relationships with our build team and ultimately a smoother construction process. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful financial planning removes unnecessary stress and creates space for what truly matters—in this case, building our dream home with integrity and mutual respect.

This created remarkable peace of mind. Instead of juggling spreadsheets and payment schedules, I remained present on-site, made thoughtful decisions, and actually enjoyed the building process.

This psychological benefit of automation has been quantified by researchers. A 2020 study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that financial automation reduces ‘cognitive load’ and stress levels related to money management by approximately 28%. By delegating these repetitive tasks to systems, we literally free up mental bandwidth for more meaningful pursuits. Every bill on autopay it’s a reclaimed mental space.

The Digital Distraction

One major distractor in our daily lives is the phone. As a result, I try to turn off as many notifications as possible. Additionally, I put my phone on airplane mode often. Currently, I’m thinking of doing a phone ban after a certain evening hour. Essentially, it’s about unplugging and truly being present with the people around me.

Constant connection inevitably causes us to miss the magic happening right in front of us. Research confirms how digital devices fragment our attention. A study from the University of California, Irvine, revealed that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to fully refocus after being interrupted by a digital notification. That’s nearly half an hour of lost presence each time your phone pings. Even more telling, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that the mere presence of a smartphone—even when not in use—reduced the quality and depth of face-to-face conversations. This validates what many of us intuitively feel: we might be physically present, but our devices quietly pull our minds elsewhere.

We’ve all been there—sitting with friends or family while simultaneously scrolling through our feeds. How much are we really hearing? Not enough, unfortunately. We might be physically present, but our minds are elsewhere. How much of life passes by while we’re distracted by the endless stream of information at our fingertips?

The irony is that phones promise connection, but often deliver the opposite. Consequently, they connect us to people miles away while disconnecting us from those sharing our space. Therefore, we must ask: What memories are we missing while our eyes are glued to screens?

Have you ever noticed how different a conversation feels when nobody reaches for their phone? Undoubtedly, there’s a depth and focus that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s world.

What Really Counts

When I’m gone, no one is going to say, “Hey, look at how many projects he completed.” In contrast, people will always remember how you made them feel.

Harvard’s longest-running study on happiness—spanning over 80 years—consistently shows that the quality of our relationships is the strongest predictor of both happiness and longevity, far outweighing career achievements or wealth accumulation. We explored this fascinating research in depth in our earlier post on the science of happiness. This remarkable research validates what many discover too late: in the end, how we connect with others matters more than what we accomplish or acquire.

Think about it—when you remember someone who’s touched your life, do you remember their productivity metrics? Or, more likely, do you remember their kindness, their presence, the way they listened when you needed someone?

Slow living helps us focus on these connections:

• Being present with the people we love
• Taking time to appreciate small wonders
• Creating space for creativity and joy
• Living intentionally rather than reactively

Starting Your Slow Living Journey

If you’re feeling caught up in the whirlwind of daily demands, perhaps consider embracing slow living. Indeed, it might just reveal the beauty in the details you’ve been overlooking.

How might your life change if you decided to slow down—even just a little? Moreover, what simple pleasures might you rediscover?

For us, it was as simple as morning coffee on the lanai, watching the sunrise paint the sky in shades of pink and orange. These small moments have become the highlights of our days. And surprisingly, I find I’m actually accomplishing more of what matters while doing less of what doesn’t.

In the end, isn’t it worth finding out what slow living might reveal in your own life?