The Wandering Walkers

Slowing Down, Staying Present & Finding Joy

Have you ever felt like life is moving so fast that you’re barely keeping up? Like you’re constantly doing, yet never truly being?

Lately, I’ve been feeling that way too. So, I’ve been making a conscious effort to slow down, be present, and step away from the constant pull of social media. It’s so easy to get lost in the endless to do lists and the endless scroll, absorbing the world’s chaos and feeling weighed down by things beyond my control. I’ve come to realize that staying constantly busy and plugged in doesn’t serve me—or my family.

So, I made a choice. A choice to pause, to breathe, and to focus on what truly matters: the moments unfolding right in front of me.

A Reset for the Mind & Body

Last year, after my brothers accident, I put my own life on hold to focus entirely on his recovery. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I was able to dedicate to helping him and being there for my family, but the emotional toll was heavier than I realized. By the time I returned home, I found myself unable to let go of the weight I had been carrying. The stress, worry, and exhaustion had become embedded in my system, and I knew I needed a reset.

The best way for me to truly reset is to step away, even if just for a few days. As if the universe had orchestrated it perfectly, my friend Katrina happened to be leading a sound bowl healing session at a small retreat in Maryland the following week. Flights were cheap, and Katrina was thrilled at the idea of me coming up. It felt like exactly what I needed, so I decided to stay for five days, not just for the retreat, but to intentionally focus on healing myself.

The previous months had been nothing short of overwhelming. From recovering from my own surgery to helping my sisters family after her husbands operation, and then pouring my energy into my brothers healing and rehabilitation, I had been in a constant state of giving. Add in all the other life stresses, and by the end of the year, I felt completely drained physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

That mini retreat was a turning point. Being in the presence of a longtime friend, immersing myself in nature and sound healing, as well as allowing space for stillness was exactly what I needed. I spent my days journaling, meditating, practicing yoga, hiking, and simply existing in the present moment. When I struggle to find my way back to myself, I crave healing in nature. There’s something about the crisp, cool air filling my lungs, the sight of autumns brilliant colors painting the trees, and the grounding sensation of my feet on the earth that brings me back to balance. It reconnects me to something deeper both within myself and in the world around me.

When I returned home, I felt lighter. Renewed. For the first time in months, I could truly relax. That retreat was the first step in my journey of staying grounded and present, and since then, mindfulness has continued to carry me through lifes challenges. It’s a practice, a daily commitment, and a reminder that even in the chaos, I have the power to return to myself.

To kick things off, I recently did a juice cleanse. Not just to reset my body, but to clear my mind as well. It felt good to focus on nourishing myself from the inside out, giving my system a break from processed foods and all the extra junk that tends to sneak into our diets. But more than anything, it was a reminder to be intentional about what I consume—not just physically, but mentally. I don’t want to get sucked into all the despair in the world; I want to cultivate peace, gratitude, and joy.

Finding Peace in the Chaos

Trying to stay present when you have a million things going on? Not easy. But I’m learning.

Homeschooling Phoenix, running a business, and just managing daily life can feel overwhelming at times. But one small practice that has made a huge difference is how we start our mornings. We recently incorporated crystal singing bowls into our homeschool routine, and it has been such a beautiful addition. Before we dive into lessons, we take a moment to play the bowls, letting the sound fill the space and signal the beginning of our school day. It’s a peaceful, grounding practice that helps us transition into learning with calm and focus (even if the rest of the morning was chaotic).

It’s little things like this—intentional moments of stillness—that help me stay centered.

The Importance of Being Present

Being present isn’t just a nice idea—it genuinely changes everything. When I slow down and really live in the moment, I notice the joy in the little things:

✨ Phoenix’s intense gaze as he builds a Lego masterpiece.

✨ The way C.J. makes our mornings brighter and easier, even when they start off hectic.

✨ The beauty of a quiet cup of coffee before the day begins.

✨ The creativity that flows when I take time to just be.

When we’re always rushing, always thinking about the next thing, we miss these moments. And these moments? They are life.

Bringing Mindfulness into Everyday Life

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just disconnected, here are some simple ways to bring mindfulness into your day:

✔ Start your morning with intention – Whether it’s playing a singing bowl, stretching, grounding yourself in the beauty of the morning sun or just taking a deep breath before diving into the day.

✔ Take social media breaks – Step away from the endless scroll and focus on real life. It goes by so quickly.

✔ Practice gratitude – Write down three things you’re thankful for each day. This is a really great thing to add on if you have a morning meditation routine.

✔ Savor the small moments – Notice the warmth of the sun, the taste of your coffee, the laughter of your kids. These are all incredibly beautiful moments that pass by in the blink of an eye.

✔ Breathe – When things feel overwhelming, pause and take a deep breath. It’s simple, but powerful. Phoenix and I do deep breathing exercises every do to help calm our nervous system, refocus our energy and just remain present.

Slowing Down & Enjoying Life

In the past, whenever work slowed down, I felt stressed, overwhelmed, and consumed by fear—fear of the unknown, fear of not having enough, fear of what came next. But now, I trust that everything will work out. I know I’ll have enough to pay my bills, and more importantly, I now have something even more valuable: time.

Time to be with the people who matter most. Time to learn, to create, and yes, even to slow down and relax. Time to soak in the little moments with C.J. Ariana, Michael & Phoenix—moments that I know I’ll cherish forever.

Life moves fast, and I don’t want to look back and realize I was too busy to truly live it. So I’m choosing presence, gratitude, and peace.

What’s one way you can slow down and be more present today?

So here’s to slowing down, embracing the present, and finding joy in the now.

What’s your go-to mindfulness practice that helps you stay present? Let’s inspire each other! 💛