Stories and reflections on my journey seeking a slow and simple life, sharing some of the things I’m learning and noticing along the way.
Just in case you missed last month’s, you can read it here.
I wonder what little things help you slow down. Maybe it’s baking something yummy, picking up a new book from your reading pile, or going for a long nature-filled walk. Maybe it’s sitting in the garden as the sun gently warms you, or finding some lovely stillness through photography as you notice the world around you. Or perhaps it’s drawing, painting, sewing, or knitting.
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There are so many small things I love that help me slow down. I’ve shared just a few, but I could easily think of so many more. Maybe you enjoy some of these too?
If I see a rose, I just have to stop and pause for a moment to admire its beauty, gently touch its silky petals, and breathe in the beautiful fragrance. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, plus you just never what other wonderful things might happen when you do.
I shared a while back about how we had added a new feeder to our little garden, one with niger seeds in, as I’ve been really wanting to attract goldfinches. In last week’s Simple Joy’s & Inspirations, I shared how I had noticed the niger seeds had been slowly going down, but I hadn’t yet seen any goldfinches.
That was until I’d paused for a moment to smell one of our beautiful roses. As I did, I noticed a big hairy caterpillar, thankfully I already had my camera on me, and as I began snapping away, I turned my head to one side and there on the niger seed feeder were the most beautiful two goldfinches. I kept as still as I could and watched in awe.
Only because I slowed down, stopped, and smelt the roses.
I just love having a book in one hand, a big mug of tea in the other, sticky tabs close by, and settling down in my favourite cosy little nook. I find it’s one of the most perfect ways to slow down!
Usually, if I’m travelling by train, I’ll pop my Kindle into my backpack. For me, it’s such a lovely way to bring some much needed calm and slowness to what can otherwise feel quite hectic, especially when the carriage is busy and people are constantly getting on and off. It helps me switch off and tune everything else out.
Plus, it’s not just books! I love coming here on Substack when I want to add a little extra slowness into my day. It’s always such a joy to connect with so many beautiful kindred spirits who are also passionate about bringing more slowness and simplicity into their lives, something that shines through so wonderfully in the posts they share that I love to read.
There are so many, but here are a few whose Substack publications I love reading:
Bella Foxwell, David Barton, Jen Carrington, Nadja de Oliveira, Rebecca On The Wing, Gosia Horczak, Melissa @ Notes from Nature, Jodie Melissa Rogers, Sophie Cliff, Whitney Barkman.
Mornings have looked a little different since being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. But honestly, it hasn’t been a bad thing at all. It’s helped me slow down and create mornings that work best for me.
I’ve come to really love spending this time doing the little things that bring me joy like reading The Simple Things magazine or a good book, doing a few puzzles, and just enjoying the quiet. It’s made me appreciate these slower moments so much more.
I love taking my time over breakfast while watching the birds, and if the weather is nice, I’ll even sit outside. Starting my day this way helps me feel calmer, more grounded and much more energised, ready to fully begin the day and get started with my work.
If it’s bringing a little calm, happiness, or inspiration to your day, you can support my creative work by gifting a virtual coffee from just £3. It helps to support all that I do so much!
This brings me so much joy. I love watching the birds that visit our garden, and it makes my heart so happy knowing how much they appreciate the seed and water I put out each morning. It’s especially lovely when they bring their young along.
So far this year we’ve had baby sparrows, an extra-fluffy young great tit, blue tits, and robins. A crow also swoops down now and then to see what’s left before taking it back up into the trees beyond our fence. And I’m always so happy to welcome the endless amount of pigeons who visit too.
Any busy or anxious thoughts just seem to melt away when I’m watching birds.
The gentle slowness of it has also helped me notice and learn the different songs of the birds around me, including ones I’d never really picked up on before, like the goldcrest singing somewhere nearby, a chiffchaff that came to visit for a while, the wren’s very loud but pretty call, and the beautiful song of the goldfinches. I love that I can now recognise them when I’m out walking.
I also really enjoy using the Merlin app. Thanks to it, I spotted an amazingly bright green greenfinch the other day on a walk, and I’ve been able to identify the calls of a whitethroat, a grey wagtail, chaffinches and a blackcap.
Literally just these two, as I’ve never been great at crosswords or other puzzles (please tell me it’s not just me!).
My nan taught me how to do Sudoku, and I’ve been kind of hooked ever since. Not only does it help me slow down, but it’s also great for keeping the mind active and healthy. Although, I’ve not quite worked my way up to completing a level 4 Sudoku just yet! IYKYN!
I think puzzles can sometimes get a reputation for being a bit boring, but I honestly think they’re the complete opposite. I love doing a themed wordsearch, especially nature ones, and I’ve even got a wordsearch book that doubles as a colouring book, which adds to the fun.
It’s also such a nice way to switch off for a while, and I often come across new words too, which is an added bonus!
Just ask David Barton, I take a slightly ridiculous amount of photos, sometimes up to 20 of the same flower! But I love it. It’s my little way of capturing the beauty I see in nature, and of course, I love sharing those moments on my platforms too.
I love the calm photography brings me. It helps me slow down and notice the little details that are so often missed, whether that’s flowers, trees, birds, places, or so much more.
I also love the simplicity of it. It’s a way of capturing memories, not through collecting more things, but through photos taken in that exact moment in time.
I’m by no means a professional photographer, it’s simply a hobby I’ve loved for many years, even from a young age. But one thing I really enjoy is looking back through old photos and seeing how my photography style has changed over time.
Looking back, it’s very clear to see that nature has always been the biggest inspiration behind the photos I take.
What are some of the little things that help you slow down?
If you’ve enjoyed this journal entry, you can support my creative work with a virtual coffee from just £3, over on my Ko-fi page. Your support honestly means so much, and it really helps me A LOT!
Just in case you missed it…
Simple Joys & Inspirations | June 2026
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Jun 14
A collection of everyday pleasures and favourite finds. Here I share small moments and things that bring a smile, whether it’s something I’ve tried, enjoyed, or come across along the way. A gentle space to pause and enjoy the little joys in life.
Seasonal Moments in Nature | June 2026
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Jun 7
Welcome to my little seasonal diary. Here I share photos and notes from the natural world - the changing seasons, small details, and the beauty all around us. A space to slow down, notice what’s unfolding, and enjoy the rhythm of the seasons.
If you’d love to learn more about me and my work, you can visit my website here. I’d also love to connect with you over on Instagram - you’ll find lots of beautiful blooms and nature-inspired posts, alongside gentle business musings, reflections, and more.
Until next time…
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