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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It’s Okay to Just Rest in January
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Embracing the Stillness of January
I hope this finds you well and safe. Here in Western Maine, we’re in the midst of a cold snap. I’ve had a few days off and spent them tending my woodstove and relaxing. My nursing school clinicals kick off this week, marking the start of what will be a very rigorous year. I’m feeling both nervous and excited. But as I look around at the quiet of this season, I’m reminded of something important: it’s okay to just rest in January.
The Beauty of Winter’s Quiet
Outside, winter is on full display in all its icy beauty. The sky alternates between a brilliant blue and layers of white and gray clouds. The friendly, puffy clouds of summer have been replaced by sweeping, gray-blue stretches, giving everything a quiet, muted tone. The trees in my gardens stand in solemn observance of the season. Yesterday, a cold wind blew through, making the trees creak and sway. Ice and snow packed tightly on the ground crunch underfoot. Everything feels slower, quieter, and still—a perfect reflection of what January invites us to embrace.
Why January Isn’t Always the Best Time for Resolutions
I’ve always marveled at people who dive headfirst into new routines at the start of the year. The energy to set ambitious resolutions, to jump straight into productivity, can feel at odds with the rhythm of winter. For me, this time of year feels more like an opportunity to refresh my spaces, tidy up, and start thinking about the coming growing season—but not to dive into action just yet. January calls for something different: rest and reflection.
The Influence of Capitalism on New Year’s Resolutions
The push for New Year’s resolutions often feels tied to the demands of capitalism. We’re encouraged to "optimize" ourselves—whether through gym memberships, productivity planners, or a slew of other purchases aimed at self-improvement. But what if we stepped back and instead tuned into the natural rhythms of the Wheel of the Year? Winter is a season of stillness and recovery, not a time for forcing ourselves into constant action. If resolutions don’t resonate with you, consider an alternative: setting intentions. Unlike rigid goals, intentions are fluid and allow space for growth over time. I find journaling to be one of the best ways to hone in on what I want to be, do, and have in life. This design is one of my favorites.
The Wheel of the Year and the Restful Energy of Winter
The lead-up to Imbolc, the midway point between winter solstice and spring equinox, reminds us that we are still in the heart of winter. While the days are slowly growing longer, this is a season of quiet preparation, of gathering strength for what’s to come. Even with work and school on my plate, I try to honor this time as a season of rest as much as I can.
Alternatives to Resolutions: Setting Intentions
There’s so much pressure in our culture to hit the ground running at the start of a new year. We’re encouraged to set goals, make plans, and start fresh. And while that works for some, it’s okay if January feels more like a time to pause and breathe. Resting isn’t laziness; it’s a necessary part of the cycle. It’s how we recharge so we can meet the demands of spring when it arrives. Winter gives us permission to slow down, reflect, and dream. The Year of the Witch by Temperance Alden is a great read for ideas on how to approach the calendar year through the lens of seasonality and the Wheel of the Year.
Honor the Season in Your Own Way
So if you’ve been feeling the weight of expectations to "do more" or "be better" right now, give yourself permission to let those pressures go. Rest is a gift we can give ourselves—and it’s one that aligns perfectly with the season.
What does January and midwinter look like for you? Are you leaning into the stillness, or are you feeling pulled to action? Wherever you find yourself, know that it’s okay to honor this time in a way that feels right for you.
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Phenology - The Study of Seasonal Changes
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Hello Friends. I recently discovered how to make a Phenology Wheel and thought this is something that many of you would also enjoy. If you aren’t familiar with phenology, it is the study of seasonal changes in plants, animals, and weather patterns. You may have done some version of a phenology wheel in elementary school. Studying when flowers bloom, birds migrate, or when the first frost arrives, is an easy way to connect with nature and the season at hand. It is also a good way to quiet your mind and be in the present moment.
I was not able to find any open source photos of a completed phenology wheel and I didn’t want to wait until I had completed one. So, I put together some examples over on Pinterest instead. Just remember, this isn’t an exercise only for people who are considered artistic. Like journaling or keeping a grimoire, taking the time each day to work on a phenology wheel is it is another way for you to connect with your inner spirit and the world around you.
If you need a visual before you get to the how-to, check out the examples on Pinterest and then be sure to come back and grab your free template at the bottom of this post.
What Is Phenology?
Phenology is the science of tracking the timing of natural events. It focuses on phenomena like:
The first appearance of migratory birds in spring.
The budding and flowering of plants.
The changing colors of leaves in autumn.
Seasonal weather patterns, like the first snowfall or the warmest day of summer.
I was introduced to this concept quite by accident. I just happened to watch this video from a YouTube channel called Marion’s World. She uses watercolors and pen to create absolutely gorgeous phenology wheels.
A Phenology Wheel is a circular chart divided into segments—typically days, weeks, or months—where you record your observations of seasonal changes. This tool provides:
A Visual Calendar: See how nature’s patterns evolve over the year.
Mindful Practice: Spending a few moments each day observing your environment connects you deeply with the present moment.
Seasonal Insight: Align your rituals, goals, and practices with nature’s actual rhythms, enhancing the meaning behind each Wheel of the Year festival.
A Creative Outlet: Designing and filling in a Phenology Wheel is an artistic and meditative process.
How to Use a Phenology Wheel
Start Small: Use a single month or season to familiarize yourself with tracking natural events.
Observe Daily: Spend time outside and note changes in your environment. What do you see, hear, or feel?
Record Your Observations: Jot down details like blooming flowers, animal activity, or temperature changes in each segment.
Reflect and Connect: Compare your notes to the corresponding festival on the Wheel of the Year. For example, are there signs of new life during Imbolc, or is the harvest abundant near Lughnasadh?
Download Your Free Phenology Wheel Template
To help you get started, I’ve created a free Phenology Wheel template for you to print and use. This wheel is divided into 32 sections, perfect for tracking daily observations over one month.
Click here to download your free printable Phenology Wheel template.
Disclaimer - this template is designed for standard US letter size, making it kind of small. If you really want to add lots of detail or have plenty of room to work, you could create your own phenology wheel on bigger art paper.
Here is a list of supplies that would be helpful to make your own phenology wheel:
Oversized artist pad with watercolor paper (good for painting, drawing and writing)
Compass - According to my high school geometry teacher it is physically impossible to draw a perfect circle by hand. If, like me, you struggle with geometry and attention to detail, a compass and ruler will be your best friend for this project. A phrenology wheel is 360 degrees with 32 wedges, each of which should be 11.25 degrees apart.
Let me know if you decide to try making your own phenology wheel. I’d love to see what you are studying in your corner of the world.
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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.