Making Home; Slowing Down and Living Life with Intentionality

Home is so much more than a mere physical location. It’s a feeling that transcends the tangible aspects. It’s a place where you’re not just another face in the crowd, but where you’re known and seen for who you truly are. It’s a haven where you can find rest amidst the chaos of the world. It’s both the destination and the point of return, a constant in the ever-changing journey of life. Home is the warm, soft, and familiar woolly blanket that wraps around you, offering comfort and a sense of belonging on even the coldest and darkest night.

Life today is busy, or maybe I’m just tired. Seriously though, it often feels like the days can easily become a never-ending whirlwind. We’re all constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and sprinting from one obligation to the next. It’s easy to think of home as merely the place where we hang our hat at the end of yet another exhausting day and we have the tendency to toss aside the art of making home.

I believe that how we make our home matters. Home is the foundation upon which lasting memories are built, where relationships and family bonds are strengthened, and where we can find solace in the midst of life’s uncertainty. In the heart of a well-crafted home, you’ll discover the true essence of belonging and a space where you can be your most authentic self, where you’re accepted, no matter how messy or imperfect you may be.

For our family, creating an intentional and meaningful home and space meant adopting a pace of life that embraced deceleration. We made (and continue to make) a conscious choice to say no to the hurried, chaotic whirl of activities that are often believed to be indispensable. While our lifestyle might appear old-fashioned in today’s fast-paced world, it’s a deliberate rejection of the all-consuming hustle culture and a way of living that speaks to our hearts and souls.

In the fast-paced world we live in today, intentional living is a conscious decision to center our focus on what holds genuine significance. So what does this look like in your world? I don’t have the answer to that, but I think if you take some time and reflect on what matters most, YOU will.

In the meantime, feel free to pull ideas and inspiration from the topics we’ll be discussing (just to name a few)!

Making things. You might not be a crafter, but along the journey to making home, there are things you can do to infuse your space with a personal and thoughtful touch. From sharing ideas on making your own decorations to homemade treats and meals, we’ll be chatting about all the ways to enhance the warmth and coziness of home.

Quality time. Spending time together at its core is creating a nurturing environment for your family and friends. One of the most powerful ways to achieve this is by spending quality time together. Whether it’s through regular meals, game nights, movie marathons, shared hobbies, or much-loved traditions, dedicating time to bond with the people you hold dear is a fundamental aspect of making home. These shared experiences not only strengthen relational connections but also contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of everyone in the home and anyone who passes through its doors.

Creating a haven. Creating a space you enjoy gives you the opportunity to turn your home into a reflection of your personality, highlighting your values and the components of life that are most important. To create a space you enjoy, invest time and effort into intentional touches, personalizing your home with photos, artwork, and things that bring joy (like a cozy blanket and a drawer full of tea!). When your home is a place where you feel at ease, it becomes a true haven and provides a sense of peace.

Be hospitable. Welcoming others into your home. On this journey to making home we’ll talk about ways to do this for yourself and for others, creating an inviting atmosphere for friends, family, and guests. Sharing your home with others not only strengthens relationships but also extends the warmth of your home to those who visit.

While you find your way of living intentionally, remember: slowing down is a radical act of self-care in a world that values speed. It’s an acknowledgment that productivity should not come at the cost of our well-being. Slowing down means savoring the simple pleasures, embracing leisure, and finding balance in our lives. It’s about taking the time to appreciate the beauty in the mundane, to reflect on our aspirations and values, and to nurture our physical and mental health. I don’t always get this right. Truth be told, I’m often racing against the clock like a maniac, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t hope for more or pursue a simpler journey!

So this space is for exactly that. Coming together to live slower, live intentionally, and savour the moments before they turn into memories.