Creating a Beautiful Life Begins with Slowing Down.

By Sherry Ellingson

Last month, I made a decision to intentionally slow down the pace of my daily life.

For as long as I can remember, I have been someone who moves through life at TURBO speed. I rushed from one responsibility to the next, often layering projects, commitments, and expectations on top of each other without stopping to ask myself how I was really feeling.

As I shared in my post, Coming Back From Burnout, I have been healing from burnout and becoming stronger every day.

Choosing to live more mindfully and slowly isn't just an idea anymore—it's becoming a daily practice.

Thirty days ago, I committed to this new way of living, and my goal is to continue for 90 days, through the end of summer. Each morning I check in with myself and ask, How is my energy today? What truly needs my attention? What can wait?

Because it's summertime and my children are out of school, this season has given me a little more flexibility to practice living this way.

Slow living doesn't mean I'm avoiding work, parenting, or my responsibilities. It means I'm no longer trying to do everything all at once. Instead of stacking work, friendships, workouts, errands, cooking, cleaning, reading, and endless to-do lists into every day, I'm learning to choose what matters most.

I'm asking myself:

1. What would be fun today?

2. What self-care practices do I need?

3. What can lovingly wait until tomorrow?

This simple shift has made a remarkable difference.

One of the biggest changes I've noticed is that my nervous system feels calmer. I feel more present, more grounded, and more connected to myself.

Ironically, during these same 30 days I also completed a six-month Feng Shui Certification program. Rather than pushing through exhaustion, I learned to honor my energy while continuing to grow. That experience reminded me that Feng Shui isn't only about creating harmony in our homes—it's also about creating harmony within ourselves. The spaces we live in can support a slower, more intentional way of life, but we also have to give ourselves permission to live that way.

The phrase that continues to guide me is one borrowed from the 12-Step programs:

One day at a time.

It's simple, but it works.

Instead of worrying about changing my entire life, I'm simply choosing to slow down today.

Tomorrow, I'll make that choice again.

Thank you for following along on this journey. I'll continue sharing what I'm learning as I discover what it truly means to create a beautiful life—one intentional day at a time.

You can also connect with me on Instagram @sherryellingson.

Au Revoir,

Sherry Ellingson

Feng Shui Consultant

Business Coach

sherryellingson.com