Some mornings start chaotic. Alarm blaring, kids yelling, coffee pot running dry. But I’ve learned that if I take even ten quiet minutes, the day unfolds differently.
For me, it’s simple: step outside, take a breath, and notice what’s around me. The sky, the trees, the birds. Sometimes I’ll grab a cup of coffee or tea, just sit, and watch the sun rise. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s grounding. Those few minutes remind me why I choose a slower life and why I prioritize presence over rush.
Even with a full household and a long list of tasks ahead, those quiet moments matter. They’re a small pause in the chaos that makes everything else feel manageable. Kids notice too. They see you stopping, taking a breath, and not rushing for the sake of rushing. That’s part of teaching without saying a word — how to value time and calm.
The Ritual in Practice
After my quiet time, I’ll check on the garden or do a small morning task — watering strawberries, picking ripe veggies, or even just sweeping the porch. It’s still slow, still mindful, but now I’m moving. Working with your hands, seeing results right away, is rewarding in ways nothing else can match. (You can read more about what homesteading means to me here).
Sometimes it’s as simple as letting the dogs out and watching them explore the yard. Little things like this teach patience, observation, and attention to detail — qualities that stick when life gets busy.
Coffee, Kids, and Quiet Wins
Breakfast is another small ritual. Cooking something from scratch, even a loaf of bread or simple tortillas, sets a rhythm. Kids love helping, asking questions about ingredients, and learning that good things take time. It’s hands-on, practical, and ties into the lessons I’m already writing about Parenting and Everyday Values.
I try to avoid screens in the morning, except for music or research that I genuinely need. This small practice alone keeps the noise at bay and the focus on what matters. If I start scrolling social media first thing, the calm evaporates, and the day feels like it’s running me instead of the other way around.
Why Small Rituals Matter
People often ask me, “Isn’t a slow life hard with five kids and a full schedule?”
Yes. And no.
It’s hard if you try to force calm on a chaotic schedule. It’s not about perfection — it’s about moments. Ten minutes of watching the sky. Five minutes sitting in the backyard with a cup of coffee. A quick stretch, a little mindfulness while watering plants. It all adds up.
This is how I anchor the day, how I teach my children about presence, and how I stay grounded in the midst of noise. It’s the same philosophy that guides my homesteading practices, my parenting, and my everyday life: focus on what you can control, invest in moments that matter, and slow down enough to see them.
Your Turn
You don’t need acres of land, expensive tools, or a perfect life to create these rituals. Start small. Step outside. Sit quietly. Watch a bird or a tree. Make a cup of coffee, even if it’s just instant. Take note of what you feel.
Those small moments? They accumulate into something bigger. Over time, they teach patience, awareness, and gratitude — and you’ll start to see the world a little differently.
Because slowing down isn’t about escaping life. It’s about living it more fully.
– Just a note from the yard.