Hey, friends! I’m Erika. Here, you’ll discover resources and inspiration for embracing a slower, simpler lifestyle. My goal is to show you how to live and parent at your own natural pace. Through our family’s journey, I demonstrate that this approach is accessible to every family, regardless of their circumstances.
I focus on creating videos that provide genuine value and are worth your time. Because of this, I don’t follow a strict posting schedule. To keep up with new content, I recommend turning on notifications.
Haha 😂 I absolutely have help on the days I work! My kids can play independently if they know I’m nearby, things like reading and doing house work are fine, but if I pull out anything with a screen they’re on me like superglue.
Very good job with this video. It’s all stuff we “know” but knowing and doing are different. I plan to read the books you mentioned and make many of these things a priority with my 2 year old. Also like the idea of TV being the tool integrated. I don’t want to totally say no screens when there are good educational shows and animals and fun things to watch as a family. It’s all about intention. Thank u!
I’d love to know where you got those book shelf dividers for your kids books in the cabinet? What are they called? I try to look them up on Amazon and can’t find any like that!
Hello, I'm Vera, I've just subscribed as I enjoyed your video and will implement several of the tips you have shared. My cleaning rags are just that... rags..pieces of towels and tea towels that have served us well and can be used in the upkeep of our home and if they get too far through they are used in the garage or garden shed and then as they are cotton can be put in the compost bin. I did buy microfiber cloths but I have eczema and they hurt my hands and didn't even clean well so I passed them on. If I'd thought of the microplastics I never would have had them. We have washing lines in our large garden so if I get the washing straight onto hangers instead of in a basket I can save having to ironmost of it. Folding is a step too far for me now so I roll things that go in drawers and wash bedding and get it back on beds so it doesn't need folding or putting away. Going now to make myself a baking station because I always loved baking but not able for all the traipsing round the kitchen I used to do. Please think about oldies like me who were always fit active energetic and now 64 retired but with severe health and mobility issues cannot do things the way we used to always do them. I would really appreciate some more tips I could adapt for my situation. Thank you. God bless you. ❤
So grateful this came up in my feed today. My soul needed to hear this. Side note: Chasing Redbird is one of my favorite books. Named one of my daughters Zinnia. ❤ Such a beautiful, story. My eldest just read it for the first time, and it struck me in discussing it with her how many lessons I missed when I was younger.
As a born again Christian, and a mother and Grandma who raised my children as believers, I believe that if we follow God's Word as our road map, He will teach us how to best raise our families. Books written by men are great and I have gleaned many good things from them but overall, I'm careful to weigh everything I read by the word of God. For example, the Great commission and the last great commandment left to us by God is for us to go into all the world and preach the gospel and make disciples. Sometimes this commandment does not fit in with my idea of slow living. But as I obey God to the best of my ability, He always works everything out for the best!
The relationships and the "village" is what so many of us are missing raising kids. Growing up in the 90s, I was really the last of that generation. Most of my memories are playing outside and with my sibling. We were never bored. My two kids were 2 and 7 months when covid hit. I feel like they were robbed of so much of those experiences I fondly remember from my childhood. Our community we lived in was closed off and people got nasty and self-centered. Last summer we moved to an absolutely wonderful community that shares our values. We have a church, friends, and neighbors that all look out for each other. My kids play in the street with all the neighbors. They jump from yard-to-yard. This is what I wanted for them ❤ It makes me sad that these communities are so hard to come by now. Everyone is living in isolation.
That's what I'm looking for ... looking for that place to raise the little ones in, a place where they can be kids, play outside, get in touch with nature and similarcommunity. Can I ask where you moved to?
That really is wonderful that you were able to find that! I've been hearing more and more stories like this. Of people and communities that are trying to preserve "the neighborhood" popping up all over - even in the suburbs! Makes me so inspired to see folks finding solutions to fit their lives.
I’m only 3 minutes in and I love you already! You are hilarious and I am looking forward to hear the rest of your wisdom ❤😊 Your video is beautifully done
I’ve been interested in getting a flip phone for everyday use so I’m not so tempted to use my iPhone around my little ones, family & friends. I don’t like that content creation with smart devises so easily creeps into all other areas of life at times! What flip phone do you have? Also, I just miss the flip phone vibe! Having actual buttons is such a different experience. God bless you ☺️
@@rc3640there is a good sub on redit dumbphones with lots of suggestions. I’ve heard fairly good things about the CAT s22 and one other was mentioned that I’m looking at getting. I’ll have to report back with the one it is… I was viewing it on my laptop (I’m working on switching up some of my tech use habits in the meantime!)
You've done much better research than I did on the subject! I just called the phone company and said, "Send me a flip phone!" It was a Nokia. However, I can't recommend it because my kids literally broke it in a half a couple weeks ago. I've been using an old iPhone since then and I have to figure out next steps now. I will say that if I go back to a dumb phone, I need to buy a GPS for my car. I get lost every time I leave my town. Thanks for the subreddit suggestion!
@@papertownhomea GPS is something I would also definitely need. I think about how we used to navigate like pirates using Map Quest 😂 and how it would be cool to search where I need to go beforehand, write down the directions, then follow them, but I make too many pit stops usually so it would probably just be a huge hassle. I think the old way made our memories better though! Finding that balance between convenience and presence/self-reliance/connection is what’s important though.
I will say that sometimes it feels like things would be easier if we had more space as a large family.. Even if it was outdoors, but we're 7 living in 1100 sq ft. apartment. Live very simply, but if we wanted a house with land, my husband would need a job that keeps him from us.
The ruthless elimination of hurry changed my life and I’ve heard you reference John mark comer’s teaching in your videos. As an expecting momma I found your video at the perfect time. Thank you for the thoughtfulness you put in your videos and giving us the permission as a modern woman to just be and live a simple life. So excited to try some of your simplifying hacks.
Thank you for your content in this video, I just found you just subscribed and I have been thinking about these kinds of parenting concepts for the past 7 years of being a mother, and I have taught in a Montessori school and have enjoyed the counter-cultural way of leading children. I still struggle with it feeling difficult, mostly because I feel that I lack the resources to be the kind of present mom that I want to be. I wish I could be a homemaker but I have to work full-time. That is frustrating to me, makes me feel that I cannot be present. It makes me feel like I cannot achieve the dream of having another child and being able to care for that child. The way that I know I want to and should. These things are the modern frustrations of being a mom today. I still want to be able to contribute to our finances, and have work that I'm proud of doing. But motherhood is definitely my first ambition and the most meaningful role to me, I know that it shapes my families entire worlds. Thank you again 🙏 Signed, a grasping mom
Oh my goodness. I definitely understand this push and pull. I'm currently only working part time, but I often wonder how long I'll be able to pull that off. I feel that responsibility to be contributing to my family's opportunities by providing financially as well as being present with the kids. It's 100 percent the push and pull felt by so many modern moms. What I will say, is that I worked full time for the first three years of my daughter's life. And, the thing that helped me to be present with her, despite having limited time, was a super, simple and decluttered home. As well as daily habits keeping up the home. My time with her was limited, but those practices enabled me to make the most of the time I did have. I don't know where you are in the simple and slow journey, but if it's helpful I wanted to share. Also, it sounds like you're an incredibly intentional and loving mom! I notice that I strive to live up to "best practices" in my parenting, but I often fall or fail to do so 100% of the time. In fact, I've started to think about it this way... when I worked in marketing I advocated for my clients to follow best practices in their campaigns. But, for various reasons they didn't always do so. I learned to accept that we could follow best practices 80% of the time and the audience would still be well served. I realize this isn't a perfect analogy for parenting, but I think it allows us some grace as mothers. We are fallible and finite creatures and while it's helpful to know and aim for our ideals, we have to allow the grace for the reality of our circumstances and personal limitations.
What a beautiful/informative video - thank you so much - I really needed this today as a helpful reminder on what truly is important - I am grateful for this message ❤ New subscriber ☀️
I really enjoyed this video and got a lot from it. I would love if you broke down the steps even more in their own videos like you suggested. Thank you
Absolutely! Going forward this channel will be getting into the subtopics of each category addressed in this video. This video is the road map, but it's a broad overview of what's to come!
I live in Iowa which has 4-seasons. I've been trying to figure out how to have a minimal wardrobe yet still have the right clothes for each season This video was so very helpful! Now I'm better understanding how to transition some pieces from season to season; layering as needed in different seasons; what I actually need for 3 months; creating a minimal capsule for ME and MY style. Also, I'm realizing that, in the past, I was trying to create a minimal capsule wardrobe not for me and my personal style and lifestyle, but for someone else (whoever that was!). I noticed that you aren't wearing any jewelry in this video. Have you completely eliminated jewelry? I have a ton of real and costume jewelry but have never really enjoyed wearing jewelry. I'm strongly considering not wearing any jewelry for 3 months and then reevaluating what I think/feel about it then.
I’ve never seen this channel before This video almost had me in tears. How do I get there? I know my child will thrive in routine and more structure. I know I should compliment and praise less, I want my child to know Gods love, I know she would be better if I did ‘X, Y, and Z’ It’s so hard to start. I guess I should start with the declutter. Ay yi yi. Thanks for this video 😬
Thank you, Laurie! I think the downside of a video like this is it can cause overwhelm to see all the steps laid out in 30 minutes. These certainly weren’t accomplished in 30 minutes! I also know that decluttering made everything in life so much simpler that it gave me capacity to think about everything that followed. You can do this!
So happy I came across your channel. My 11 year old son struggled going into a public middle school so I switched him to home schooling and wow what a change. Changing the pace away from that strict hustle, he has actually made more progress in his learnings and motivation is reflected. He went from daily anxiety to happiness. The hardest part was if I made the right decision and I don’t regret it after seeing the results. ❤ thank you for your book references, I will look into them.
I like your statement about how each generation isn’t meant to reinvent or relearn parenting. From one hand there is comfort in age old wisdom. From the other hand, the way it’s always been done isn’t always the best way, depending on where you come from, the family you were raised by. So then you have to look for a better way. Additionally, some of the older ways have been lost in this modern world, as you explain, so we have to rediscover them. At the same time, we have to adapt the wisdom of the old ways to modern life. For example, so many of us would love to live in the countryside or even a suburb, in a house, but it’s just not affordable. We have to struggle just to pay the rent in small apartments, while still trying to provide a good childhood for our kids. Either way though, I think that at least aiming to slow down, is the right way to go.
I live in Michigan (all 4 seasons!) I have: 3 sundresses, 1 pair of shorts, 3 t-shirts, 1 bathing suit, 1 cover-up (which can also double as a sundress), 1 pair of flip flops, 1 pair of sandals and 1 purse. Not counting pj's, undies, bras. Spring & Fall (same clothes!) 4 long sleeve tops, 1 hoodie, 3 jeggings. 1 pair of sneakers/trainers. Winter 1 coat, 1 pair of boots, 1 purse, 2 sweaters, 2 long sleeve t-shirts (for layering) 1 puffer vest and 1 zip up hoodie. 30 items for all 4 seasons! Oh...I do have a t-shirt and 2 shorts (cut off sweat pants) that I use for cleaning and painting.
Thank you for this! Such a thoughtful and well made video, it really helped me to think about what kind of mum I want to be. I can’t imagine the time and effort that must have gone into the making of this!
This is simply the most amazing video I’ve watched on slow living - and I’ve seen loads. Before I even knew about this movement I was craving it and putting it into practice for myself and my children. Since then I’ve searched on here and found so many people doing the same thing. I always felt like I should be doing more with my children, but I never liked following everyone and big crowds. This has made it ok for us to live this way of life and remove the guilt. Thankyou so much ❤
Thank you! I am actually just recovering from adrenal fatigue. I was on a busy lifestyle with kids for 8 months last March- Oct. and busted my health. It was something I never did before and I thought I could make it. Nope. So getting back to a simpler life and mindset. I will review this video. Thank you.
Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry that happened. I've heard from multiple women that their health crashed as a result of taking on too much. I notice it in myself, even after just a couple days of operating at too fast a pace. You are in my prayers and I hope this video can offer some help and support along the way.
I'm a new mom of a 10 month old son. In the early months, I experienced panic attacks. The amount of information out there is still overwhelming, but I'm grateful when I find content like this, and I'm grateful for your emphasis on what matters, especially faith. Thank you.
You're welcome, Julie! I'm so sorry to hear about the challenges you experienced in the early months of parenting. I remember feeling completely blindsided by the transition to motherhood. I'm so passionate about supporting moms in the early stages of motherhood. I'll never tell anyone that motherhood and homemaking are easy, but they can be simplified to make aspects easier and to give us more time and energy for what really matters - relationship with God, our partners, our children and our community.
Which is a really tough place to be. I think this is the next area of study and personal exploration for me. It's clear to me that community is incredibly important, but learning how to create it within the realities of our culture is essential.
Incredibly profound and touching. I will be re-watching this. This really struck a cord in my heart in how much I want my values to be integrated in my daily life. I often feel a parallel between the two worlds..my deepest values and how I conduct and coordinate my day to day with my child. This gives so much permission to not be perfect, but to be intentional. Thank you.
"To not be perfect, but to be intentional" could be the tagline for this channel! I love that this video was helpful and struck just the right cord. Thank you for sharing!
thank you for this video. what was approach #8? I was trying to take notes. next time having the approach/key lesson written on the screen (not just the number) would be SO helpful!
Hi Katie! The final approach is to build community. I think it's an essential part of this process, but I think I have more to learn about it so I can actually support women in that process. For now, I kept my thoughts on it minimal. More to come!
