The Power of Slowing Down

Sep
18
2025
by
Michele Richardson
/
0
Comments

The past few days (and honestly, the past few weeks) have felt so energizing and eye-opening. Life really does have a funny way of circling back and handing us gifts wrapped in packages we never expected.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot on priorities, life phases, and the visions we hold for ourselves. Some play out the way we imagine, while others don’t, but each one gives us a glimpse of a different version of who we are and where we are going.

Just today, I sat with an amazing group of women business owners and entrepreneurs (shout out to the Business Besties). Our conversation was such a good reminder that our visions and needs don’t always show up once and stick. Sometimes they ebb and flow, returning again and again in new forms until the timing and the fit are just right.

One thing that stood out in our conversation is how important it is to give ourselves the space, and the grace, to pause, acknowledge, and process these ideas and opportunities. Without that, it’s easy for life to fill up with things that feel urgent but actually keep us focused only on what’s right in front of us, instead of what’s possible.

And for me, one of the best ways to create that space is to step outside. Taking a walk in nature, breathing fresh air, or simply slowing down long enough to notice the world around me. It’s not just about movement, it’s about showing up for myself. These small acts of self-care and self-compassion aren’t luxuries; they’re what make room for health, wellness, and clarity. When we prioritize that kind of care, we give ourselves the capacity to dream bigger, create differently, and live a life we may never have imagined was possible.

So how do we actually create that kind of space in everyday life? Here are 10 simple ways to invite in more processing, clarity, and creativity:

  1. Take a mindful walk in nature – no headphones, just noticing the sounds, smells, and sights around you.
  2. Journal freely – write without editing yourself, letting your thoughts and feelings spill onto the page.
  3. Practice “morning pages” – three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing first thing in the morning.
  4. Schedule tech-free time – even 30 minutes without your phone can open up mental space.
  5. Create with your hands – paint, garden, cook, or do something tactile that allows your mind to wander.
  6. Practice breathwork or meditation – slowing down your nervous system helps clarity rise to the surface.
  7. Move your body – yoga, stretching, or dancing can shift energy and open new perspectives.
  8. Spend time in stillness – sit quietly with a cup of tea or coffee, noticing your thoughts without judgment.
  9. Cerate a schedule that works for YOU – focus how and when you are your best version for the task at hand. Let go of the “shoulds” you were taught.
  10. Connect with others intentionally – meaningful conversations with trusted people can spark insights and fresh ideas.

At the end of the day, making room for ourselves in these small but intentional ways doesn’t just support our health and wellness—it opens doors. Doors to the business we want to build, the life we want to live, and the connections we might never have imagined possible.

And here’s something to sit with: How are you going to create this kind of space for yourself in the days ahead?

If this resonates with you, and you’d like to explore how to create more space, clarity, and self-compassion in your own life, I’d love to support you. Feel free to reach out and let’s talk about what this could look like together.

transition [tran-zish-uhn]

The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
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