Everyone, take a deep breath.
Listen, y’all—slow living is where it’s at! There’s something undeniably beautiful about appreciating the simple moments by the coast (or wherever you are “find your beach.”) Life moves fast, but choosing to slow down, breathe, and soak it all in? That’s where the magic happens.
For me, slow coastal living isn’t just about where I live—it’s a mindset, a way of life that keeps me anchored in faith, family, and the ocean’s rhythm. Whether you’re right by the shore or miles away, you can embrace this peaceful, intentional way of living. Here’s a glimpse into what that looks like for me. Please do not feel like this is how my life is every day. Sometimes one of the girls can’t find their favorite shirt, or the boys can’t find an assignment on the computer. However, incorporating these habits help me manage those inconveniences a little better.
It’s not like this every day
Every day, I set out with the best intentions—to slow down, be present, nourish my body, connect with my family, and embrace the beauty of living. But truthfully? I rarely check every box. Some days, the to-do list wins, the quiet moments slip away, and I fall short of the vision I had for the day. And that’s okay. Maybe you feel that way too—like you’re always reaching but never quite grasping it all. But here’s the thing: what we do accomplish matters. The small moments of presence, the effort we put into slowing down, even just recognizing the need for a gentler rhythm—that’s enough. Grace over perfection, always.
Mornings: Starting Slow & Steady
I’d love to say I wake up with the sun, but let’s be real—I am an early riser, but not that early. My mornings start with a 5:41 AM roll out of bed (yes, that exact time) and a good stretch. I couldn’t tell you how crazy it is that I wake up at the same time every day. I used to have a very chaotic sleep schedule but my Oura ring has been such a game changer for me. It tells me what my chronotype is and it is spot on! (check it out here if you want to try it! ***I get nothing from this, you get 10% off***)
The first thing I do is sit in my faith with God. Right now, I’m reading The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble with a hot cup of coffee next to my sunlight lamp—it’s my little ritual to start the day with peace and purpose. I really
Once I’ve had my quiet time, I step outside barefoot and just take it all in. The early morning air is still, the world is quiet, and for a few minutes, there are no schedules, no to-do lists—just me, my thoughts, and the start of a new day.
Then, it’s time to wake up my girls—gently. Middle school is chaotic enough, so I make sure our mornings at home are peaceful. Breakfast is simple: a smoothie for them, eggs and potatoes courtesy of Uncle Jay (he’s the best!). After that, we’re off to school drop-off, and I take a deep breath before diving into the rest of my day.
Mid-Morning: Movement & Creativity
After school drop-off, I finally get dressed—yes, I know the productivity gurus say to get dressed first thing, but I happily ignore that rule.
Then, it’s time to move my body. I start with a slow walk, but before I know it, I’m sweaty and pushing myself in the gym. Fitness is a journey, and I’m learning to appreciate it—progress over perfection.
Once I’m back home, I check in with my boys. They’re usually deep into their schoolwork (or need a little redirection😆). While they work, I carve out time for creativity—whether it’s writing, dreaming up new ideas, or working on one of my many projects. This is when my mind slows down, and the best ideas flow.
Afternoon: Nourishing My Body & My Soul
By this time, I’m ready to eat. I love simple, clean, whole ingredients—nothing too complicated, just real food that makes me feel good. I don’t follow any strict food rules (though I have in the past), but I do prioritize protein and try to keep processed foods and added sugars to a minimum.
If the weather is right, you’ll find me in the pool or heading to the beach. I live near the coast, not on it, but I do everything I can to stay in a faithful island state of mind. Sometimes that means beach music and sometimes it means gospel in the background; and sometimes it’s just silence and fresh air.
I also love old books, the classics, and anything nautical. (If you’re looking for great coastal-themed book recommendations, check out my post [insert link]!)
Evening: Family, Bonfires & Ocean Breezes
At my core, I am a family person. I love slow time with my people—bonfires, beach walks, and sunset boat rides(when possible) are always at the top of my list.
As the day winds down, I need to feel the air on my skin. If the weather allows, I’ll crack the windows open and let the breeze drift in.
Before bed, I indulge in an episode of Jeopardy (miss you, Alex! 😢And you’re doing a great job Ken!). Then, I drift off to sleep, grateful for another beautiful, slow day.
Why Slow Living Matters
Slow living isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about being intentional. It’s about choosing:
Presence over distractions
Moments over productivity rules
Peace over hustle
Whether you live on the coast, near it, or nowhere close, you can embrace this mindset. Savor your coffee. Feel the air on your skin. Make time for what matters. Life doesn’t have to be rushed to be full.
Want more slow coastal living inspiration? Stick around—I’ll be sharing more about coastal destinations, family travel, and how to bring the feeling of the ocean into your everyday life.
Your Turn
What does slow living look like for you? Are there moments in your day when you intentionally slow down? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!