How To Make New Year’s Resolutions The Slow Living Way With Stephanie O’Dea
In the final episode of the Slow Style Home podcast for 2024, I talk to Stephanie O'Dea, the author of 'Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle Driven World.' We dive into how her book provides actionable steps for reorienting one's mindset towards a purposeful life, away from societal pressures. Stephanie explains the concept of slow living, which she defines as 'simply look only within,' focusing on intentional, sustainable living. We discuss her transition from writing bestselling cookbooks to advocating slow living, her experiences with societal pressures, and the necessity of aligning personal success with authentic desires. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of small, manageable steps towards goals, rather than striving for perfection. We also touch on the implications of social media-induced FOMO and decision fatigue, and the need to remain intentional in our daily lives.
Watch this entire episode on YouTube HERE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
As we conclude this year's journey on the Slow Style Home podcast, I had the joy of chatting with Stephanie O'Dea, whose book "Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World" resonates perfectly with the essence of my Slow Style Home philosophy. Our conversation couldn’t have been more fitting for this reflective time of year.
Finding Joy in the Journey
Stephanie begins her exploration of slow living by recounting a humorous childhood memory that hints at the significance of humor and perspective in life. The story of her grandfather introducing her to the acronym "SNAFU" reflects how she learned early on that life’s complexities often come with unexpected lessons. This lesson translates seamlessly into the Slow Style Home ethos, where the beauty comes from personal touches and meaningful experiences rather than perfection.
The Power of "Simply Look Only Within"
Central to Stephanie’s philosophy is the acronym "SLOW: Simply Look Only Within," a guiding principle that encourages us to define our success on our own terms. This mindset is a cornerstone of Slow Style Home—creating spaces that reflect our values and desires rather than conforming to transient fads. Our homes, like our lives, should be sanctuaries that express our individuality and choices.
Sticking to Your Principles
Stephanie shared her career journey from crafting slow cooker cookbooks to diving fully into the slow living movement. Her decision to stay true to her beliefs even in the face of industry pressure serves as a powerful reminder that authenticity should guide our choices. This resonates deeply with Slow Style Home, where our personal style should shine through, unburdened by external definitions of aesthetic success.
The Game of Life, Not Chutes and Ladders
In our discussion, Stephanie urged us to view life as the actual "Game of Life," full of twists and turns, rather than the erratic ups and downs of a game like Chutes and Ladders. In the context of our homes, this means embracing the evolution of our spaces as they adapt to our changing lives, rather than striving for an elusive state of 'completion' that leaves little room for growth and change.
Purposeful New Beginnings
As the new year approaches, Stephanie offers a refreshing take on New Year's resolutions: instead of strict goal-setting, she suggests crafting visions that align with our unique concept of success. In terms of your home, this might mean establishing spaces that cater to well-being and joy, encouraging moments of pause and reflection amid life's busyness.
A Call to Embrace Our True Selves
Stephanie’s parting message was perhaps the most pertinent: "Simply Look Only Within." By continually checking in with ourselves and staying true to our desires, we ensure that both our lives and our homes remain true reflections of who we are.
For those seeking to embrace this ethos, Stephanie’s book is a treasure trove of insights, perfectly aligned with the journey towards a home and life centered around authenticity and intention. As we step into a new year, may Stephanie’s wisdom remind us of the power in crafting spaces and lives that are uniquely, beautifully our own.
Until Next Time & Happy New Year
-Zandra