Once a self-proclaimed rusher, I’ve learned that slowing down isn’t lazy — it’s life-saving. These days, I’m devoted to the art of noticing: the way sunlight filters through leaves, the sound of birds at breakfast, the small acts of kindness happening all around us. This summer, I invite you to pause and look closer. Because when you start paying attention, you realize that slowness isn’t selfish — it’s your superpower.

Once upon a time, Market Day meant frozen orange roughy and boxes of mini bagel bites. Today, it’s fresh herbs, yellow-yolked eggs, and the slow joy of shopping like a European — wagon in tow. The farmers market has become a weekly ritual of connection, flavor, and mindfulness. It’s not about rushing through a list; it’s about savoring the experience, talking to the farmers, and letting inspiration guide your meals. Because in a world that moves fast, the most nourishing thing we can do is slow down.

Autumn is book season — the perfect time to slow down, pour a cup of something warm, and get lost in a good story. From feminist theology to influencer satire, this year’s reads have made me think, laugh, and question everything I thought I knew. Whether you’re craving meaning, focus, or just a juicy escape, my fall reading list has you covered. Because if you’re going to slow down and read for pleasure, it better damn well be pleasurable.

Fall is more than just a season—it’s a cozy invitation to slow down, savor the little things, and embrace hygge in its truest form. From crisp skies and colorful mums to simmering soups on the stove, autumn is where all the senses come alive.

Summer nostalgia hits different in the Midwest. From Venture runs and Ghost in the Graveyard to cherry Cokes and grandma’s willow tree, those memories remind us of simpler, slower times. Now, as parents, we’re doing our best to give our kids that same magic — the kind that smells like sunscreen, sounds like fireworks, and feels like freedom. Because Midwestern summers are cinematic, fleeting, and unforgettable — and they deserve to be savored.

Time moves fast, but that doesn’t mean we have to. Inspired by Rupi Kaur’s reminder to “slow down and be with her,” this is your invitation to pause and honor the version of yourself that exists right now. Put down the phone, release the pressure, and give yourself permission to rest. Because life isn’t meant to be rushed — it’s meant to be noticed, savored, and lived slowly.