10 Ways to Simplify in a Fast World
Living simply in a fast-paced world often feels like swimming upstream. We’re surrounded by endless to-do lists, the constant pull of consumerism, and the pressure to be everything to everyone. For me, simplifying isn’t about slowing down to the point of stagnation—it’s about moving off autopilot, tuning into the rhythms of life, and creating space for what truly matters.
Even when I am in a busy season, I actively look for ways to simplify my life. Some days this works, other days I feel overwhelmed and exhausted. When that happens, I remind myself that it is just one day, not every day. And I think about ways I can make tomorrow better.
1. Align Your Life with the Seasons
One of the reasons I love the Wheel of the Year offers a framework for simplifying your life by tuning into nature’s cycles. In spring, I focus on renewal—clearing clutter and planting new ideas. Summer invites me to embrace abundance and joy, while autumn is a time to let go of what no longer serves me. Winter reminds me to rest and reflect.
Aligning my actions with these seasonal energies brings a natural sort of flow and purpose to my life. For example, during the quieter months of winter, I take on low-spend challenges or reflect on my long-term financial goals. It is not a time that I bust out big house projects.
2. Start with Your Priorities
Simplifying isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most. Take time to identify your top priorities, whether it’s nurturing your health, spending more time with family, or pursuing a creative passion. Let these priorities guide your decisions, both big and small. And acknowledge that priorities can shift. For example, my priority right now is nursing school. As much as I’d love to tackle some bigger projects in my house, I know that now is not the time. Nursing school will be done in one year, and I know once it is finished I will have the bandwidth to do more things.
3. Simplify Your Spending
Mindful spending has been a game-changer for me. Before making a purchase, I ask myself, Does this align with the life I’m building? This mindset has helped me move away from impulse buys and focus on quality over quantity.
If you’re looking to simplify your spending, I recommend trying a low-spend month or auditing your subscriptions. You’d be surprised how freeing it feels to cancel services you don’t truly need.
[Looking at you, Netflix.]
4. Invest in Tools, Not Clutter
When I do spend money, I aim to invest in tools that simplify my life, like my trusty cast-iron skillet or a well-made journal that helps me unwind and clear my head.
5. Tend to Your Space
A cluttered home often leads to a cluttered mind. At least, that’s how it is for me. I’ve found that taking time to tend to my space—whether it’s organizing a drawer, mending a favorite sweater, or repurposing items I already have—creates a sense of calm and clarity.
6. Embrace DIY Where It Makes Sense
Simplifying doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself, but learning a few DIY skills can be helpful. I’ve taught myself to mend clothes and tackle small home repairs, which not only saves money but also deepens my connection to my belongings.
That said, it’s okay to call in help when you need it. Simplifying isn’t about martyrdom—it’s about making choices that serve your life as a whole.
7. Create Time for Rest and Reflection
In our fast-paced world, rest often feels like a luxury. But the Wheel of the Year reminds us that rest is essential for growth. Winter is my favorite season for reflection—I journal about what worked, what didn’t, and how I want to move forward.
Two weeks into my nursing program I had to have one-on-one with myself and acknowledge that the pace of life wasn’t working. I HAD to figure out a way to slow down and have some down time between work and school. I bought a three month membership to my local gym and my walking buddy and I resumed our weekly walks, using the gym’s indoor track. When I’m working from home, I try to hop on my treadmill a couple of times a day for 10 - 15 minutes, to get my blood moving and improve my mood.
Consider carving out small moments of rest each day. It could be as simple as enjoying a cup of tea without distractions or taking a walk in nature to clear your mind.
8. Make Space for Joyful, Free Activities
Not everything that brings joy requires money. Some of my favorite moments are those spent stargazing, journaling, or walking in the woods during autumn. These activities not only simplify my life but also help me feel more connected to the world around me.
9. Reframe “Simplicity” as Intentionality
Sometimes, simplifying means spending money or outsourcing tasks to create space for what truly matters. For instance, hiring a repair person might save you hours of frustration, allowing you to spend that time with loved ones or tending to your health. Simplicity doesn’t always look like minimalism—it’s about living with intention.
10. Use the Wheel of the Year to Check In
Each season, I take time to reflect on where I am and where I’m going. Am I living in alignment with my values? Are my daily choices supporting the life I want to create? These seasonal check-ins help me stay grounded and ensure that I’m simplifying in ways that truly matter.
Books to Inspire Intentional Living
Here are a few books and authors that have inspired me:
The Year of Less by Cait Flanders
Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach
The Art of Frugal Hedonism by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb
Meet the Frugalwoods by Elizabeth Thames (I have listened to this on audible multiple times)
The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker (The Minimalist documentary is also excellent)
Each of these books offers unique perspectives on how to slow down, simplify, and align your life with your values.
Simplicity Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Living simply in a fast world isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about making intentional choices that bring you closer to the life you want to live. Some seasons will feel busy or chaotic, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep coming back to your values, adjusting as needed, and creating space for what truly matters.
How can you simplify your life today? Maybe it’s canceling a subscription, taking a walk in nature, or reflecting on the season’s lessons. Wherever you are on your journey, remember: simplicity isn’t about doing less—it’s about living more.
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8 Ways to Celebrate Imbolc with Slow, Intentional Living
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Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st, marks the halfway point between winter solstice and the spring equinox. It's a time of renewal, reflection, and setting intentions for the seasons ahead. But Imbolc isn’t just about lighting candles and honoring the goddess Brigid—it’s also an opportunity to slow down, embrace simplicity, and focus on creating the life you truly want.
I don’t know about others, but as someone who lives in the US, I feel like 2025 is the time to be very conscious both of my budget and of the corporations I buy from. So, for me simplifying in this year means low spending, taking care of what I already have, and looking for creative ways to meet my needs. So, in the spirit of Imbolc and intentional living, here are 10 meaningful, budget-friendly ways to celebrate this season that support financial simplicity, mindfulness, and alignment with your values.
1. Light Candles for Renewal and Clarity
Imbolc is all about the light returning, and candles are a perfect symbol of that. Rather than splurging on fast home decor, I love to bring in the energy of this season by lighting simple candles around my home. As the candle burns, take a moment to reflect on your goals for the year ahead. What would you like to accomplish? How do you want to feel? What do you want to be doing when springtime rolls around? While it can be fun to purchase new candles as part of specific Imbolc celebration, there is nothing wrong with using a partially used Yankee candle or whatever you happen to have on hand. Candles are also an excellent item to look for in thrift stores.
2. Create a Vision Board with Intention
Rather than focusing on material desires, create a vision board that centers on the values and intentions you want to manifest in the coming months. Think about ways you can simplify your lifestyle, focus on self-care, and nurture relationships. Use free resources like magazines, cut-out images. I like to use Pinterest to gather inspiration and organize by areas I want to focus.
3. Embrace a No-Spend Day or Week
Imbolc is a great time to practice some mindful spending. By embracing a no-spend day or week, you’re aligning with the theme of simplicity and renewal. Look at what you have and see how you can repurpose or use items creatively before buying something new. I have been doing a low spend since late December and I immediately noticed how much money I have saved and how much less stress I feel when buying something just isn’t an option. It’s also been a great way to remind to use the things you already own.
4. Tend to Your Space with Simple Rituals
Create a peaceful, harmonious environment by tidying up your space, but do it mindfully. Tending to your home doesn’t mean spending money on decorations—it can be as simple as decluttering a shelf, rearranging furniture, or cleaning a neglected area. This small act will bring a sense of calm and clarity, which aligns with both slow living and Imbolc’s themes of purification and renewal.
5. Journal Your Intentions for the Year Ahead
Imbolc is the perfect time to set intentions for the months ahead. Instead of rushing into big resolutions, take time to reflect on how you want to feel, what you want to cultivate, and how you can simplify your life. Journaling is one of my favorite ways to clear my head and examine my WHY when it comes to wanting something (whether that be a person, place or thing). This is my absolute favorite style of personal journal - it is one of the few items I will always purchase new when I need one.
6. Honor Brigid with a Simple Craft
Brigid is the goddess of hearth and home, healing, and creativity. To honor her, create a simple craft that supports slow, intentional living. Consider making a Brigid’s cross from straw or fabric, or craft a simple healing charm to carry with you throughout the year. You don’t need expensive materials—what matters is the time and energy you put into the process.
7. Plant Seeds for the Future (Literally and Figuratively)
Imbolc is a time of planting seeds—both physically and metaphorically. You can start by planting seeds indoors for a future garden or nurturing your current projects. This practice can also symbolize your financial and personal goals for the year. Fun fact: tend to go the figurative route when it comes to planting seeds. After many years of trying to start and maintain a vegetable garden, I finally had to admit that I prefer hardy perennial flowers that are low maintenance. So instead of sewing seeds to plant outdoors, I spend time thinking about what I want to accomplish in the spring and summer specifically. Do what feels best for you and your lifestyle.
8. Reflect on Your Finances and Set Intentional Money Goals
Financial simplicity is a key component of slow living. Take this time to reflect on your finances and set intentional money goals. Consider ways to reduce debt, save for the future, or embrace frugal living. You don’t need to spend a lot to get started—there are many free resources available online, but you can also find inexpensive budgeting planners to keep you on track.
Imbolc and the Wheel of the Year
Imbolc marks the beginning of spring’s return, a time to embrace new energy, refresh your home, and set clear intentions. By slowing down and focusing on what truly matters, you can live in alignment with both the Wheel of the Year and your own personal values. This holiday is not about grand gestures or extravagant spending—it’s about creating space for what is essential, embracing simplicity, and nurturing the seeds you’ve planted for the year ahead.
By celebrating Imbolc with slow, intentional living, you’re aligning with the natural rhythms of the earth and creating a life that reflects your values. Financial simplicity and mindfulness are key components of this process. Whether you’re journaling, planting seeds, or lighting candles, remember that it’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making conscious choices that support the life you want to build.
How are you celebrating Imbolc this year?
More About Imbolc
The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.
Celebrating Imbolc: The Goddess Brigid
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Imbolc, celebrated each year on February 1st, marks the midpoint of Winter. In the Wheel of the Year, Imbolc is a cross-quarter day, falling exactly between Yule and Ostara. heralding the first signs of spring and the renewal of life. At the heart of this festival stands the Celtic goddess Brigid, a figure of immense influence in Irish-Celtic mythology. Unlike many other Celtic deities who were revered regionally or in specific tribes, Brigid’s worship was widespread among the Irish-Celtic people, reflecting her profound importance in their spiritual and daily lives.
Brigid: Goddess of Many Roles
Brigid was a multifaceted goddess, embodying aspects of learning, poetry, healing, fertility, and the smith arts. This wide array of roles positioned her as a key figure in Celtic society, where creativity, craftsmanship, and the ability to sustain life were deeply valued. She was seen as a bringer of civilization, credited with fostering skills and knowledge that uplifted her people. In many ways, Brigid was not just a goddess but a symbol of human ingenuity and resilience.
Her association with poetry and learning highlights her role as a muse of inspiration. In Celtic culture, poets, known as “filí,” held a revered position, serving as keepers of history, tradition, and lore. Brigid’s connection to them reinforces her importance in preserving and nurturing cultural identity. Similarly, her link to healing and fertility underscores her role as a life-giver and nurturer. For a largely agrarian society, fertility was a vital concern, and Brigid’s blessings were sought to ensure healthy crops, livestock, and families. Her domain over the smith arts further underscores her association with creation and transformation, as blacksmiths were seen as alchemists who shaped raw materials into tools and treasures.
You may also enjoy: Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess - Audio Book
Imbolc: A Festival of Renewal
Imbolc, which translates to "in the belly" or "ewe’s milk," falls midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This liminal time marks the stirring of life beneath the frozen ground, as lambs are born and the days grow visibly longer. For the ancient Celts, this was a time of hope and preparation for the coming spring. It is no surprise, then, that Brigid, a goddess so deeply tied to life and renewal, was celebrated during this festival.
Early Imbolc traditions revolved around fire and light, symbolizing warmth, inspiration, and the return of the sun. Bonfires were lit to honor Brigid and to encourage the thawing of the frozen land. These flames were seen not only as physical warmth but also as a representation of Brigid’s transformative power—her ability to ignite creativity, bring healing, and usher in new life. Homes were often adorned with candles, further invoking her blessings.
Another key tradition involved the crafting of Brigid’s Cross, a distinctive four-armed cross woven from rushes or straw. These crosses were hung above doorways and windows to bless and protect homes from harm. The cross’s design, resembling both a sun wheel and a symbol of the earth’s cycles, embodies the interconnectedness of Brigid’s domains.
Weather divination was another prominent feature of Imbolc. Ancient Celts believed that the day’s weather could predict the arrival of spring. One custom involved listening for the lark’s song; if the bird sang, it was a sign that spring would come early, symbolizing the return of the God to the Goddess in Celtic mythology. This practice bears a striking resemblance to the modern tradition of Groundhog Day, where a groundhog’s behavior is believed to forecast the season’s change.
Brigid’s Christianization
Like many pagan deities, Brigid’s influence endured even as Christianity spread through Ireland. Rather than eradicating her worship, the Christian church incorporated her into its traditions, canonizing her as Saint Brigid of Kildare. This syncretism allowed her cult to persist, albeit in a transformed guise. Saint Brigid’s feast day, celebrated on February 1st, aligns with Imbolc, further blending pagan and Christian practices.
As Saint Brigid, she was credited with miracles and acts of compassion that mirrored her goddess attributes. Her shrine in Kildare, maintained by 19 nuns, echoed the all-female priesthood that attended the goddess Brigid in earlier traditions. The continuity of these rituals underscores the enduring reverence for Brigid and her deep-rooted significance in Irish culture.
The Legacy of Brigid and Imbolc
Today, Brigid’s influence remains strong among modern pagans, particularly those who observe Celtic traditions or follow the Wheel of the Year. Imbolc is celebrated as a time of renewal, creativity, and dedication to personal growth. Rituals often include lighting candles, making Brigid’s Crosses, and setting intentions for the year ahead. For many, it is also a time to honor Brigid’s legacy by engaging in creative pursuits, acts of healing, or practices that nurture fertility and abundance.
Brigid’s dual identity as both a goddess and a saint highlights the resilience of cultural traditions. She serves as a bridge between the old and the new, a testament to the power of adaptation and continuity. Whether celebrated as a goddess of poetry and fire or venerated as a saint of miracles, Brigid embodies the enduring human desire for inspiration, transformation, and hope.
As we approach Imbolc, we are invited to reflect on the themes that Brigid represents: the spark of creativity, the warmth of community, and the promise of renewal. In lighting a candle or crafting a Brigid’s Cross, we connect not only to ancient traditions but also to the timeless cycles of nature and the ever-present potential for growth and change. Brigid’s story reminds us that even in the darkest of winters, the light of inspiration and life is always waiting to return.
Recommended Reading & Listening
Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess - Audio Book
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.