Another day, another nap, another moment where I am dedicated space to sit at my computer and write. Write without expectation, without direction, and without performative need for approval. I am here, I am present, I am writing. This is enough.

What I love about living in the mountains is that it feels like you can touch the stars at night, and during the day, the skies always seem more blue and the sun a little hotter. It’s January and I am living in France, so it’s technically winter – but today, it’s 12 degrees (with an expected high of 15) and the sun is beating down with full force. While I love winter for its coziness, the seasonal warmth it makes me feel, and for the excuse to take it slow and stay put, when it’s sunny like this, I feel invigorated and see no reason not to head out on an adventure, taking advantage of the daylight.

I can feel the expansion of my Crown Chakra today, as I sit here and write. It feels like I am wearing a literal crown around my forehead that extends upwards to an unknown height. It’s like it’s there physically but it is obviously in my head – or in my energy field.

Lately, I have been drawn to the concept of slow motherhood. It has been a focus of mine on Pinterest when cultivating inspirational boards with what stands out to me and Aligns with me in the now. But everyone seems to have a different idea of what slow motherhood entails. Most seem to center on making your own food, gardening, and sewing or crocheting as a pastime. Is it odd that, to me, those items all seem like more work requiring me to set more time in my day to the role of “mom”? When I kept vegetable plants last year, the first thing I made myself do after putting baby to sleep was to head out and water – and it made the day seem longer and a greater chore rather than a time to wind-down and release. I longed for that green thumb and that connection to the process that homestead moms promised, but it wasn’t there.

So, here I am, wanting to redefine slow motherhood to suit me.

Here is how I envision it:
– thrift shopping rather than buying new

– putting aside time for yourself and your joys (like writing and reading, for me) before tending to the home

– unwinding appropriately before moving to the next task after bedtime

– reading rather than scrolling

– forgiveness when you are overstimulated or overwhelmed

– allowing your child to take the lead with play and sitting with them rather than trying to tend to the house

– essential oils, incense, and pillar candles in your space

– time to journal, scribe, or jot down pieces of gratitude in the mundane

– looking at routine as a blessing rather than a boredom

– warm drinks, or drinks that soothe the soul — in beautiful mugs

– not apologizing for the occasional screentime for your children

– nourishing your body and your mind

– eclectic, rustic, cottagecore vibes infused in motherhood

– not feeling the need to perform for approval

– books infused into every aspect of your life and your child’s life

– trusting your mom-gut

What would you add to the list? Or what does slow motherhood look like to you?

xx C