I created this blog in 2011 as a coping mechanism for the frazzled, anxious and exhausted state I found myself in. I was working part-time, volunteering, and earning my Master’s degree. But that isn’t where my cloud of stress formed.
I graduated from college the year of the market crash in 2008. I had dutifully followed what my parents and grandparents did to secure a good job: graduated high school, went to college, got good grades in hopes of a great job with benefits. All to no avail. The liberal arts degree I thought would give me access to many professions, was no longer an asset.
The economy has long ago tilted in favor of stingy employers. People aren’t paid well, they lack benefits and are burdened by excessive responsibilities. People new to many industries have to start out with unpaid internships, student debt, and jobs that can’t pay for it all. I won’t even address how this new economy disproportionally hurts people of color, or the most recent government shut-down left 800k people without pay for more than a month.
The prescription for life dictated to us by our society is no longer viable.
The United States landscape is dominated by a capitalist, consumerist and materialistic narrative. Engaging with it: working, spending, mindlessly existing like a record on repeat, rarely leads to happiness.
I needed a change. The people around me needed a change. And this blog was a way to document the steps I took to institute those changes.
I’ve taken significant time away from the slow-paced blog. And for that I apologize. Life is messy. I prioritized other writing projects. However, that’s the lesson. Without intentionally creating a mindful existence I have slipped back into a mindless one.
I have returned with a new perspective. The biggest change I’m making to this blog since it’s inception will be the inclusion of a slow-paced parenting model. I am now the mother to an incredibly bright and active toddler.
I hope you enjoy reading and accompanying me on this journey.`
Slow Paced (Living) in the United States 
This is a wonderful blog. I have been an advocate of slower paced living for several years.
I’ve been struggling with the fast-paced world for a short time, but too long for me. I’ve been cutting back on expenses just as you said and I’m happier, but I still have a ways to go. I’ve been thinking about starting my own business for a few months and the more I think about it and talk to others about it the more I want it. I’m afraid of the stress that will come from starting, but I KNOW it will pay off in a few years. I can’t wait to start!
Way to go!! I don’t think starting your own business has to be stressful, just break it into manageable pieces: one thing at a time; don’t bite off more than you can chew, as they say. The thing with starting your own business, I think, is that it’s YOUR stress. You can decide whether your work environment is stressful; running your own business means that a boss and co-workers aren’t creating stress for you. Good Luck! You can do it!
Thanks for replying! Your words are encouraging.
I enjoyed reading several of your blogs this morning. I am needing to work slow paced due to health problems, and recurrent burnout. Your opinion about working for yourself is on point. The quotas and demands that others put onto us are a big source of stress. Up and down income also can be stressful, but if we live simply and understand finances, that can be minimalized. I am currently off work for a little while for stress related depression and anxiety disorder. I have recently been diagnosed with ADD Inattentive which contributes to the stress I have in a fast paced and multi-tasking job which is quota-driven. I am looking for a job in a peaceful environment and ending the cycle of career and job burnout. At 51, I still have many good years ahead of me to look forward to. Thanks for the great blog.
No, THANK YOU so much for reading my blog. It makes me happy to know that you enjoyed reading it. I really appreciate you taking the time out to read my thoughts and I’m humbled to know that I can reach people out there on the interwebs 🙂
Also, I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I’m glad it is propelling you in the direction of a less stressful life. Sometimes finding out that something is”wrong” can lead us to making different lifestyle choices and then and then become happier and more relaxed in the long run.
I hope you can get yourself in a position to work for yourself, or find a job that is less demanding. I’m working to get to that place as well; and the hardest part, at least for me, is breaking through my mental constraints, and getting myself to truly believe that I CAN do it. Although, it takes a daily commitment re-shaping my mind so I can get there…
Again, thanks so much for reading, and I hope to hear from you soon.
You are totally right. I’ve been taking very small steps toward my goal. It’s been slow progress, but progress nonetheless. It’s the right pace for me.
I’m an advocate. Rock on.
Hello Again, I replied back in February. Update: I am still at home, not able to work full time, but have found a wonderful outlet for therapeutic relief from some of the anxiety, depression, and fatigue I live with. I have been reviving used furniture, artwork, home décor, etc. I now have a booth at an Antiques and Collectables store not too far from my house. My old job is over and done with. I have no choice but to learn to pace myself or else I get knocked back a week or two with fatigue. Still working with doctors, and counselor and getting some more tests done. I’m being tested for sleep apnea this week. Anyway, living a simpler life is an absolute for me. And I realize that I can NEVER go back to the demands of a regular job. It has taken this illness to direct me to what I should be doing in my next phase of life. I will keep checking in with your blog to see how you are doing as well. God bless!
-Luann in Kennewick, WA