Hi! Welcome back to the blog—I am SO happy you’re here, and I’m so excited to be back. After 15 years in a fast-paced career and starting my own business, I always thought I’d be the person who worked through pregnancy and postpartum. There was so much I wanted to share! But midway through my pregnancy in 2023, my mind, body, and soul spoke loud and clear: it was time to step back from doing and creating and just BE in this moment. So, I listened. Now, it feels like the perfect time to re-enter the creative vortex.

Let’s jump back in time a bit. My word for 2024 was PRESENCE. I wanted to slow down and fully experience Coco’s first year of life and the journey of getting married. Slowing down is no easy feat in today’s world, where technology is always within reach, and life moves at lightning speed. The pressure to rush, be productive, and juggle a million things at once can feel overwhelming.

Everyone told me, “It goes by so fast,” and they were right. Coco is already 16 months old, walking, talking, and developing a whole personality with clear preferences. It feels like she was an infant just yesterday! But I’ve learned that slowing down isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, connection, and intentionality.

The Fast-Paced Trap of Modern Motherhood

Before becoming a wife and mom, I thrived on productivity—doing all the things, working hard, and climbing the career ladder. But once motherhood entered the picture, I felt the pressure to “get back” to that grind. Social media comparisons and societal expectations left me feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, even while doing too much.

This constant overstimulation and the drive for productivity weren’t serving me or my family. Instead, I committed to another way (which every day is still a practice for me: slow and intentional motherhood.

What Is Slow & Intentional Motherhood?

To me, slow and intentional motherhood means practicing presence, mindful connection, and embracing the beauty of being over doing. It’s not about abandoning responsibilities but creating space for deeper connection and nurturing emotional bonds. Slowing down doesn’t mean being unproductive; it means prioritizing what truly matters.

6 Practical Ways to Slow Down and Connect

If you’re wondering how to start embracing this mindset, here are some simple practices that have transformed my journey:

1. Create Simple Rituals: Carve out daily or weekly moments of connection, like morning snuggles, bedtime stories, nature walks, or letting your child help with simple chores.
2. Limit Distractions: This one’s tough. I have to leave my phone in another room so I’m not tempted to check it, and I save computer work for nap times or when Coco is at daycare or with Aaron.
3. Be Fully Present: Offer eye contact, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully to your child’s emotions and interests. Rather than just responding with “good job” or “be careful,” I thoughtfully reflect back to her what I’m noticing or what she’s accomplishing.
4. Embrace Slow Play: Let go of structure and allow your child to lead the way with imaginative, unhurried play. In our house, we encourage independent play and quiet time, which is a perfect opportunity for me to clean the kitchen or fold some laundry.
5. Practice Mindful Parenting: Meditation, journaling, breathwork, prayer, and grounding practices help you stay centered. It’s not about how often you practice but about prioritizing quality moments over quantity.
6. Take Time for Yourself: This has been vital for me. Whether it’s waking up before Coco for some quiet time, creating a soothing nightly routine, prioritizing rest, or asking for help so I can enjoy a Reformer Pilates class, nurturing myself allows me to be fully present for my family.

The Power of Presence: Why It Matters

Slowing down with Coco has deepened our bond and created a sense of security and emotional regulation for both of us. When we’re connected and calm, we tap into our creativity and playfulness, enhancing our overall well-being.

I’ve learned to let go of the to-do list and embrace a more intuitive flow. When I shift my mindset from “I’m not being productive” to “Presence is productive,” I remind myself that rest, joy, and connection are valuable contributions to Coco’s growth and development.

A Mindset Shift: Presence Is Productive

Next time you feel rushed or pressured to check off every item on your list, pause and take a deep breath. Remind yourself that slowing down is not a delay—it’s an investment in your child’s emotional health and your own well-being.

Slow Living Things I Love:

An Invitation to Slow Down

If you’re craving a deeper connection with yourself and your family, my Nature & Nurture Retreat is designed for exactly that. This is your invitation to step away from the noise, nurture your inner calm, and rediscover the power of presence. You can join the waitlist here.

How do you cultivate presence with your children? I’d love to hear your favorite slow-living rituals—share them in the comments or DM me on Instagram!