On a recent episode of her podcast, my friend and colleague Elizabeth Sherman shared her story about how she and her husband moved to Mexico eight years ago. They were seeking a different way of life—a slower, more intentional life at a pace that aligned with their values. Although I’ve known her for years, I had never heard the story behind their move, and I was intrigued.
As she described the simplicity they’ve embraced—fewer possessions, deeper connections, and more enriching experiences—I couldn’t help but reflect on my life. Her story resonated deeply with me. While I haven’t made a big move as she has, moving from the East Coast to the Midwest is no small feat. I’ve discovered that living with less crap (except shoes, I have a lot of shoes) and prioritizing what matters most has brought me a sense of peace, calm, and joy.
The truth is, I didn’t always live this way. For years, I was busy—so busy, in fact, that my husband once joked I should run for mayor because I seemed to know everyone. And while I did “know” many people, most of those relationships were surface-level. It wasn’t until I started intentionally slowing down and reevaluating my values that I cultivated deep, meaningful connections with a handful of people I truly cherish.
Elizabeth’s story and my journey have taught me this: a simpler, more intentional life is not only possible but also transformative. Here’s how you can begin creating it in your community.
Slow Down to Find Your Peace
In the U.S., we wear “busy” like a badge of honor. We rush from one task to the next, constantly juggling responsibilities until we collapse into bed at night—only to lie awake, our minds racing with stress and anxiety. This relentless pace takes a toll on our mental and physical health. Stress disrupts sleep, hormones, and metabolism, contributing to weight gain, burnout, and even adrenal fatigue.
To break this cycle, start by slowing down. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest, writes, “We must reclaim rest as an essential part of productivity.” Slowing down isn’t about doing less for the sake of it; it’s about doing less so that you can focus on what truly matters.
Live in the Moment
When we’re always thinking about the next thing, we miss the richness of the present moment. Mindfulness—being fully present in the here and now—is a powerful tool for reducing stress and cultivating joy. There is a chapter dedicated to slowing down and celebrating in the moment in my book, Healthy Living, Happy Life. Try incorporating small mindfulness practices into your day, like taking three deep breaths before starting a task or savoring your morning coffee without distractions. Most days, I can do this uninterrupted. On other days, my husband wants to chat, so being in the moment becomes in the moment with him. I do recommend this for a strong relationship.
Gratitude also plays a key role in this. Studies have shown that gratitude improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances well-being. Start a daily gratitude journal, listing three things you’re thankful for each day. This simple practice shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life. If you’re looking for a new journal, check out That Gratitude Guy’s Daily Gratitude Journal by my friend David George Brooke.
Intentional Living: Say Yes to What Matters and No to What Doesn’t
Intentionality is about aligning your actions with your core values. I often talk about core values because they are your guiding light in all situations life throws at you. Take time to reflect on what matters most to you. What brings you joy? What energizes you? Write it down. Then, use these values as a guide to simplify your life.
Set boundaries. Say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities. For example, instead of attending every social event, choose a few that resonate with your values instead. As Greg McKeown, author of Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, says, “If it isn’t a clear yes, it’s a clear no.”
Build Deeper Connections
Strong community ties are built through intentional effort. Join a group of like-minded people—whether it’s a book club, a sports league, or a creative class. Consider teaching a class to share your knowledge if you’re an expert in, well, anything! These activities naturally foster genuine connections and give you a sense of belonging.
Cultivate relationships by spending time with people who uplift and inspire you. As Elizabeth experienced, in Mexico, when you prioritize meaningful connections over surface-level interactions, your social life becomes richer and more rewarding.
Clear the Clutter—Physical and Mental
Decluttering your physical space often has a profound impact on your mental space. Start small by tackling one drawer or closet at a time. Donate items that are broken, outdated, or no longer serve you. Adopt the practice of letting go of one item for every new one you bring into your home.
The same applies to your schedule. Write everything down to avoid mental overload. Simplify your commitments and leave space for downtime and travel time, too. This practice creates mental clarity and reduces overwhelm.
Empower Yourself to Simplify
When you embrace a simpler, more intentional life, something remarkable happens: you feel empowered. By saying no to the things that don’t align with your values, you create space for what truly matters—peace, joy, and meaningful connections.
I encourage you to take the first step today. Define your core values. Write them down and reflect on why they’re important to you. Then, schedule a free strategy session with me to identify the next steps in your journey toward a life of greater ease and fulfillment.
You don’t have to move to another country to experience the benefits of a slower, more intentional life. It starts right here, right now, with you.