Tales of Slow & Simple | 06

On my journey to living more slowly, simply, and seasonally, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is patience.

In my Tales of Slow & Simple series, I’ll be sharing with you my journey of embracing and living a slower and simpler life; one that is filled with little moments of joy, discovery, healing, mindfulness, and intentionality, and one that prioritises my energy for what matters most.

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On my journey toward living more slowly, simply, and seasonally, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is patience. It’s something I’ve always found challenging, but I'm learning to embrace it more. In today’s world, where almost everything is available instantly at the tap of a button, patience can feel unnecessary. With most stores open seven days a week and big supermarkets opening 24/7, waiting for anything has become a rarity.

I recently had a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial (so I could watch Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking), which included free next-day delivery. I could order almost anything and have it arrive the very next day! Have we become too reliant on instant access to everything? And yes, I ordered a couple of things just because I knew they'd arrive the next day!

How beautiful are these flowers! We popped to Waitrose on one of our evening walks, and they were giving away reduced flowers for free. I felt very thankful that we were able to bring them home, rather than them just being tossed into a skip. After 2 weeks they’re still going strong. I feel there’s a story in this somewhere!

I think we've lost some of the magic, excitement, and satisfaction that comes with being patient. While I (very much) eagerly await spring and summer, patience has helped me appreciate the joy of being present in the moment. In last month’s Tales of Slow & Simple, I shared my reflections on embracing winter, and taking the time to notice and appreciate its small, slow, simple, and quiet moments rather than wishing it away.

I feel the same way about my small business. This time of year is always slower, and I’ll admit I’ve felt frustrated, disheartened, and upset. However, this slower season has also brought new growth, fresh ideas, new beginnings, and the chance to set new roots. Having patience has allowed me to notice, enjoy, and embrace these moments, recognising them as a vital part of my journey rather than missing them entirely.

As I sit in my favourite spot overlooking our little garden, I see dotted around beautiful green shoots poking through the ground. It's a lovely reminder not to miss the beauty and small joys in the waiting.

For Christmas, my mother- and father-in-law gave me an Amaryllis bulb kit along with a lovely pot to plant it in. I planted it shortly after Christmas and have been admiring its growth each day. The flowers have just begun to bloom, and what a magnificent sight they are! Instead of impatiently waiting for it to grow, I’ve cherished every stage of its journey, feeling grateful for the beauty it has brought.

One thing we’ve been trying to do more of is to eat seasonally, particularly sticking to vegetables that are locally grown and in season. It feels like a lovely way to connect with how our ancestors lived in tune with the seasons. It allows us to enjoy the fresh flavours of seasonal produce while feeling grateful and appreciative for what we have, and more thoughtful about what we consume. I feel it brings much excitement for what each season offers. I may not have another butternut squash until later in the year, but it will be a special moment when I do, and definitely worth the wait as I enjoy other seasonal foods in the meantime!

“In the natural world, events happen in their own time and there is no pressure to achieve things faster than necessary. Nature doesn't surrender on a whim and knows how to take its time to build. A tree growing from a seedling…Try to bring nature's patience to mind in your own life. See if you can slow down occasionally. Strive to give people and activities your full attention for the length of time they deserve and need. Remember that in order to create a good piece of work, a good relationship, or allow ourselves to experience our emotions as they come and go, we need to cultivate a kindly sense of patience towards ourselves and others.”

Claire Thompson- Mindfulness and the Natural World

Just in case you missed last week’s post, you can find out what I got up to in January, along with some of my January favourites, new year reads, and more…

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I wonder what beauty and small joys you have found in the waiting?

Until next time…

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