Why I Don’t Want an Efficient Life 

Missed you guys! I hope you enjoy today's video 🥰

Being busy isn't impressive. Having free time for yourself is impressive.

I’m 37 and I’ve finally free from anxiety because I’ve learned the lesson - the only one what important is to live my life and enjoy. You don’t have to prove smth to someone, you don’t need to be “successful” … you need to be you and that’s enough 🙏🏻❤️

Slowing down life is totally the point. I'm so happy I was able to quit my stressful job this year. That instantly brought so much more quality and joy into my life. 🍀

At 30yo, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness that turned my whole life upside down. I had to stop working and got no other choice but to slow down. At first, it made me feel like an utter failure. I always thought being efficient and productive was the only way to go. All my friends had a career and a family to raise, and I thought I had nothing. But oh, was I wrong! Fifteen years post-diagnose I can say that while the illness itself is hard, it brought me a slow and peaceful life. I don't know deadlines, stress and rushing to get things done. Me, the ex-workaholic, is now very content with my current slow life. If I could get rid of the illness, I would still live at the pace I live today, only with more opportunities, like having chickens and a few other farm animals for which I unfortunately don't have the health to care for. But it's ok, I have plants to repot, a garden to grow and a cat to pet, instead. 🥰

The issue I have is that whenever something is made more "efficient", the assumption then turns to us filling up the freed time we then have to become more "productive" (i.e. busy), which defeats the entire purpose of efficiency. I love the idea of a slower life.

This is so needed in today’s world. I disagree with minimalism videos that tell you 15 ways to be more productive, checklists, management apps on top of calendars, scrutinizing every minute of our time. Am I productive enough? Did I check all the boxes? Nope! I’m productive at work, my free time is….. free! Sometimes I get a lot done, sometimes I just stop and smell the flowers 💐

This might be my favorite video I’ve ever watched on RU-vid. I recently have been realizing that our improvements in tech & efficiency haven’t correlated to more free time & less work. Instead we’ve become obsessed with constant growth, improvement, productivity, & achievement. This video is just further confirmation that other people are feeling this way too. What you said about shopping at the farmer’s market not being the most efficient way to do groceries but, being enjoyable made me tear up. So excited that there are more people having these conversations. Amazing video 💕💕

I agree with your message. Comfort and convenience don’t equate to fulfillment and contentment🙏🏽

This video is so needed in our society! You are very inspiring ☺️❤️🙏

"There's more to life than being efficient. There's more to me than being a machine." Brilliant!

That point is so clear and it is rejected by almost anyone, socially it’s a sin to be like that with your time. Some times I feel we are dominated by the economy .

I was living efficiently and multitasking for the rest of my 20s and felt proud about it for being a "superwoman". Turning 30, I realized that I wasn't the same as before, it's like my mind and body gave in and are facing the consequences that I'd done for those past years. It really took a toll on me and my well-being. With that, I am in a cycle of burnout this year. Mid 2021 I was at my worst state so I decided to shut off from the outside world because it was too overwhelming and take my time recharging until now. Taking my time to immerse myself within me, my hobbies and with nature. Taking my time to socialize gradually until I'm fully ready to interact with the outside world again. I feel much better than those past couple of months now. Slowing down is really important, immersing is essential and find meaning in things that I love to do is nutritious to the soul. Thank you so much Sophie for this video, it's nice to listen to someone who has the same sentiments with me :)

I trained my mind to live without a phone. and that was a year ago. The thing is that I lived with my Dad…and how many months I hadn’t use my phone and social media was 3 months! I learned how to live a slow-pace lifestyle and all I had to was eat healthier like some greens and fish, exercise thoughtfully, reading my favorite books, watching some retro movies and new ones, going outside to eat instead of indoors, meditating, yoga exercises and socializing with people. And the last thing I DID was valuing time with my family ❤️~~ :) and better sleep habits like going to bed early instead staying up on instagram scrolling on the celebs newest posts on their story…I felt more happy and I enjoyed life instead of feeling anxious and stressed~…

Girl, preach. I'm 53 and I'm just learning this--amazing that you get it at such a young age. Hope you inspire other young people--so many people under 30 seem overwhelmed by anxiety (understandably). They need this message.

The instant you change your mentality you have changed your entire life ✊

Me washing dishes and preparing dinner while watching /listening to a new favourite RU-vid page. This is literally my lifestyle with a deep influence of hygge as well. I love that I found you . Everything you said felt like I was listening to me talk back to me. I literarily didnt buy certain electronics/ technologies so I can get closer to doing some things myself. Ooh the joy of simplicity and slowing down. It's healing , it's intimacy , it's wholesome and am glad many are beginning to see the allure . Thank you 🧡

It’s so comforting finding people like myself on RU-vid. I used to feel so lonely in those thoughts. Thanks for sharing this

I felt more myself watching your video than in 10m than in the last 5 years of my life. I wish I had more people that think and live like you around me. The slow living movement... that's where I belong. :) Thank you!

Well said! I came to the same conclusion! It is about the journey, it is about taking time, really FEEL each moment instead of... rushing through the day. Where are we rushing anyways? Life is short and beautiful. I don't want to rush to the finish line. I want to enjoy every second. Thank you!

I needed this video so much, thank you! ''My whole life I've been rushing from one task to the next one, but I've ended up exactly where I'm supposed to be - not a single day ahead or a single day behind'' - there's so much depth and complexity in this sentence, but it's also soothing. Modern society pushes us to be productive and efficient beyond our limits, making us feel guilty if we ever start questioning this system and wondering if there's more to life. What most of us (if not all) want is simplicity, joy, and peaceful moments with our loved ones, yet the system tricks us into thinking that we can only reach our full potential if we always want more and more.

I agree about technology is helping our lives easier but sometimes we need to leave technology behind for a moment. Thanks Sophie for sharing your thoughts and inspiration in this video 🙏❤

Malama🧡 My husband and I were just in Hawaii for 10 days for our 35th wedding anniversary. The thing that stood out for both of us is that we never watched TV or the news, we didn’t really use our electronics and we didn’t have a schedule ( well anyone would say that was good😉) and we survived, We thrived! We got to know one another more and we had time to love and laugh and walk and smell the flowers and hear the ocean and be kind to others around us. Especially ourselves. Blessings 🙌🏻🍑🧡Lisa

She is so pure, I always love her point of view

I love the "without thinking about the finish line" suddenly think me more about the true meaning of life, to really cherish and enjoying the moments of living.

"There is more to me than just being a productive machine" 💖💖💖💖🐢

This one was a good one. I feel like having everything so easily at the fingertips creates overwhelm. Every decision is easy, effortless, and mindless and I think it makes our decisions and paces the same. The more efficient things are, the faster that society expects us to complete things. 😬

I live like this, I dont feel one ounce of guilt when I relax, I love living a slow paced life. It is most fulfilling & meaningful & it is how one should live their life. You only have one life, live it well.

Good points, I fully agree. All that efficiency and the desperate try to squezze more output out of our time makes our life as tasklist where you just make checkmarks and in the end nothing had meaning, nothing to remember. And time flies faster even though you think you get much more done. Sometimes I think we try to match the speed of the electronic tools that help us - a battle we can't win. So we shouldn't even try.

I now feel that I’m not the only one that have this kind of perspective in life. At a very young age, I always have a slow-paced life and thought that it’s a sign of being lazy. I don’t do everything in one day because it doesn’t bring me happiness. I always make sure that I have allowance for rest and enjoy random things that I want to do at the moment. I’m not into collecting achievements and get them as fast as I can, but I’m more on enjoying the moment and my journey 🙂 Thank you so much for reminding that life can be enjoyable this way ❤️❤️❤️

I remember one of my colleague saying "give time to the process". You are saying the similar thing. I like this statement very much. It means to me being patent and tasting every moment. I've been trying to do it more recently and I feel much better. I feel that I have a life now. Thank you for this video. It was very valuable.

*I look forward to moments of my day where I just do nothing or do an activity that helps me to focus on that moment in time like reading, gardening or swimming. I was never fond of being rushed at anything 😅 my inner clock is on island time (a slow steady pace) I know its not for everyone but im ok with that. I hope you had a great trip with family.* 💕

I wish I had heard of the movement sooner, but it’s never too late and I feel thankful for your beautiful video 🌺🌺🌺

There are certain things in life that aren't about the end result but the process. Wonderful video.🤗

It all depends what is more important to a person. Some are obsessed with reaching success, and that is what they have to do to get there. Others like to have time for family and friends, and I think that both are ok (as long as it is healthy). It really depends on your personality

I totally agree with you, we are supposed to have more leisure and free time since we have many helpful gadgets, but sadly the chores are piling up.

This 😭 lately, I've been rushing myself to do stuffs and I really felt horrible. Now, I realized that it is okay to take time in doing things, because it is what I am accustomed of, even if I am from the generation of tech savvy people. The message of this video made me feel calm, and tapped me in the back and saying, "Do things slowly if it makes you comfortable, you don't need to be in a rush always, as long as you have time, you'll be okay."

I remember realizing this. I made everything so easy that life suddenly became easy to "glaze over." I became one of those sleep-walking people. Be careful not to smooth out every rough edge of life or you'll soon end up not feeling anything.

It's almost a night time winding down ritual for me to watch one of your videos. Keep doing what you do Sophie!

This is not just a content, it's a truth about life. 👍

Yes. For me efficiency got icky when Silicon Valley companies boasted sleep pods, 24/7 chefs and scooters. I’ll take giant awe-inspiring red woods, slow coastal drives and less money over that endless, thankless hamster wheel.

Lovely, absolutely lovely video. The Lao Tzu quote in the description was perfect. I was always one who felt like if I wasn't constantly working towards something I was failing. I would get frantic, feeling like I was wasting my life. Slowing down and realizing it was okay to "waste time" was incredibly freeing. Now I can find pleasure in the simple things like a leisurely walk with my 1 year old daughter, not caring if she spends 10 minutes exploring the same little stretch of sidewalk to pick up little seeds and flowers. It's about enjoying my time with her and my wife and the people I love, doing simple things that bring me joy, not about what I achieve out of it. What a beautiful thing to realize. Thanks for sharing.

As an Alaskan, life in the winter is grueling. I go out into -20 temperatures, get my firewood, feed the grey jays some cat food, get warm suet and a big pile of seeds for the grouse, chickadees and woodpeckers, so I know they have the food and protein to keep them warm. Some days it is colder and I find myself moving rather quickly. No matter how cold, I stop to call and wait for the birds. I also dig a hole, beyond the reach of my dog’s leash. In the snow I bury dog biscuits for the fox. At night the fox always finds the food and the arctic hares come to eat the seeds I left on the ground. The rabbits are protected from the fox by my dog’s scent. Then, I pick through the woodpile for just the right pieces. Even though I often find myself dreaming of a Hawaiian winter, I do love life here. I am the caretaker of all my little friends and it makes me so very happy to oblige. I thank you for sharing your journey through life. Aloha to you my neighbor.

All that glitters is not gold - just because we're told that technological "advancement & progress" is a good thing, is it really? What have we lost as humans? What have we *truly* gained? A return to basics and simplicity is being discovered by so many. The farmer's market is not only a fun experience - you are supporting local PEOPLE, not corporations. You are investing in your community instead of convenience, efficiency, and "progress." Thank you for sharing

Love it❤️ this makes me feel not guilty of having a simple life and not strive too much to have a lavish lifestyle.

Loved this episode about adding more value to life than being just efficient. I hope you'll have a podcast. Your voice is so calming to listen.

I needed to hear this. How reaffirming it is to hear that one's worth and value on a micro and macro level isn't extrinsic, but intrinsic. What a more wholesome way to live. Thank you for your example ❤

Giving a piece of your time attention and love is such a special gift. I loved this

This message is what being a human is supposed to be what's its all about.

That's sooo true ! Personaly, I still struggle to accept these notions, but I try each day. Thanks for this remember. Love from France 😘

Thank you for this 💛 slowly realizing that this is what I want out of life.. and it is hard because society has made it difficult to feel like slowing down/doing less is the right decision

This was yet another means of communication that confirmed slowing down my life is the right thing to do- guilt free too. Just be and allow things to happen and the urge to take action will come. We all deserved to feel joy, happiness and inner peace just because we can. I will continue this path because there is no other option that I see as relevant. Much love to you x

Gosh I love the content! Thank you for reminding us to slow down, find the real purpose and meaning in what we do.

Beautiful video. Your message of savoring the moment and taking more time to finish things than just speeding through is one of my strong values, but despite this, I feel like I don't think about it very often during my daily life when things are busy. I really appreciate the reminder to step back and not let our lives be dictated by technology and the search for the fastest way to do things, and you did such a good job of showing how you implement this in your life. I too love giving special, personalized gifts to people I care about and writing them meaningful letters, and it makes me feel so good when I receive something personal myself rather than something store-bought. Thank you so much for this video, and I especially loved watching you make flower chains

I absolutely needed to hear your message 🧡 I feel I’m one of those people that feels I need to be productive all the time . But, I want to take time to slow down and enjoy life! We are getting to distracted with things in the world , then truly living in the world 💜

I think seeing your blog channel has given me a whole new appreciation for you. I have always loved you, but now I relate to you more and I appreciate you even more than I already did. I have been binge watching you 💕💕

I have such respect for you and your content. This video- as usual- is really really relevant for me. Actually, I’m astonishingly moved by what you‘re saying. You make me rethink things every time.. I miss going and buying flowers from a stall and carrying them home, choosing that little thing that made me happy when I saw it.

I love this! Makes me want to slow down more. I’m a stay at home mom and I am always running around “doing things”

Beautiful Video Sophie 🌺 we are all running trying to get to our destiny, not realising that enjoying the way ist the important thing. Let's stop rushing for a moment and enjoy the life that we have, blessings to you!

You are seriously one of my favorite youtubers. I’m so glad I discovered your channel. You always put out such valuable content! Thank you for these videos. 💖

Very impressed with your wisdom. Well spoken words, to live by. Blessings. 🌸

This is a peaceful video! I really like how you take the time to just relax. Sitting on your balcony relaxing being outdoors getting 💐 flowers and being at peace. Thank You so much for this video today. I am doing more relaxing outdoors nature things before winter hits.😊

Your video popped up in my feed and I can't tell you how much this resonated with me in this chapter of my life. I'm in a period of transition and also going through some stuff that makes me feel like I need to hustle or be constantly "on". I appreciate these thoughts and look forward to watching more of your content!

Oh wow...we all need those words...thank you for being so cureagous to state things many people afraid say...

Your words are so valuable for today's so-called advanced society. Love your channel ♥️ Your contents are truly encouraging. Keep up the good work. Best wishes for you. 💕

what a beautiful video! we need to have peace in life and often forget about it. thank you for your amazing work 🥰💖💖

This is just what I need after spending an exhausting work day worrying about "productivity" and "efficiency". I like what you said at the end about checking in with oneself at the end of the day. And you are so right--we are not a day ahead or a day behind.

This is everything. Thank You!

This is so smart once again. I have lost so much of being in touch with the here and now because of tech. I need to work to get back in touch with the journey and simple things like playing bass again.

The “experiences” are more relevant to me than anything else ….great video….👍

This video was very refreshing and inspiring to me 💗 sometimes I feel like I’m the only one who doesn’t want to rush but I’m happy to know others feel the same

Peaceful, calming presence. Thank you

This video was very meaningful, the opening was also hilarious, your storytelling skill is getting so much better! Thanks Malama for the meaningful works that you are doing here💚

Sophie your videos are so aesthetically pleasing! Love hearing your thoughts 😄 Agree with the thought that it's all about the experience, I've been loving home-cooked meals vs. getting takeout. But then, all in moderation! 🤗

I like how Malama's voice is so silky and smooth, gives me the chilling vibe that i need

Much needed! Thank you from the bottom of my heart

Thank you for creating this relatable, heartfelt, genuinely inspiring content!♥️♥️✨✨

Ohhhh, I was missing you!!!! I was waiting for this video!!! You are as a good addiction for me now! Hopefully ,when you may consider you will also make an audiobook, your voice , tone and vibes are blessings and so please to hear.

The value that you convey is inspire me so much, thankyou for making this video. Sometimes i feel burn out and confuse what i need to do next hour and afraid of not being productive but watching your video is such a healing for me and make me realize the meaning of life

I LOVE all your videos and have been binge watching them all! Thank you for your creativity, wisdom & insights xx

Thank you so much for sharing this great content. I always feel comfort each time I watch your timely videos. :)

Hi Sophie!

I found your voice so calming, thank you for this

much needed !! thank you for this ♡

What a beautiful video! 🌿 I hope this reaches more people ✨

amei que agora tem a opção de legenda para o português! agora posso entender todos os vídeos ☺️

Thank you so much, you've instantly lightened my mental load. Feel so blessed and grateful for having discovered your channel !

I enjoyed this video and appreciate the care you take. You are inspiring to me, I am 65 yrs old and continue to love to learn. Your message warms my heart, and I understand that is your intention. Thank you Sophie

Am I the only one thinking that this video is a little paradoxical? It's like saying that something (like money) is not so important from the position of abundance. I wonder if you understand how blessed you are and how much comfort and convinience you really have in your life and how lucky you are to live in a place and society where you can be able to afford an inefficient, yet comfortable life. Don't get me wrong, I really liked your video und totally agree with it. But I can imagine many people watching your video and wondering "what am I doing wrong" cause they have to struggle and be very very efficient just to survive. This is how internet tricks us and how good intentions sometimes do harm.

This is just a mesmerizing episode ❤️✨

This video couldn't have a better timing & gave me what i needed to hear the most ❤ as someone who's not efficient according to the society's norms because i prefer to live a slow life just like you while also working on something meaningful that takes time , your words were so comforting & reminded me why i'm making the effort in the first place ! I'm trying to embrace the ''progress over perfection'' mindset & learn how to enjoy the journey instead of rushing the resluts or abandoning out of frustration..seeing how you could balance a slow paced life with doing a meaningful work inspired me tremendously so thank you soo much Sophie you're a Gem ✨ ❤❤

Thank you, I really needed this. 🙏🏻

I need to apply this to my life so much. I am always making lists of books I want to read, shows I want to watch, goals I want to reach, and checking them off and going on to the next one. It's exhausting and I'm not sure how to stop. I wasn't like this before. I was wondering, how do you apply this lifestyle to your goals? For example, I want to learn Japanese, write a book, exercise more, etc, and I also have daily chores and so on. But I want to let go of to-do lists and live more slowly too. I'm not sure how to go about balancing out the two. Thank you for the video, I will rewatch it many times to remember its message. And I love your voice!

This video could not have come at a more pertinent time in my life- I have entered a corporate work life that has stripped away my calm “inefficient” life I once had. Everybody still needs to make a living, however I’m trying to have hope that there is a way to make a decent income while also being able to relax in your every day life, not rushed and riddled with anxiousness. For anyone browsing the comments, please let me know if there are certain career paths or choices one can make to be able to have a slow steady pace while earning an income? x

I have only just watched this Video and want to thank you so much for it Sophie. I’ve recently come back from a ‘city-break’ and could almost feel that the busyness was not for me, but couldn’t voice it to my family member who allowed to me stay with her for free as the host. For me, the rushing makes me feel unwell and as if I can’t stop the cycle of crazy merry go round that everyone else is enjoying. Your video was spot on for reminding me that I’m not alone in wanting this inner peace and calm. As an empath and someone who feels more sensitive to the environment and feeling than before, I want to get off the cycle of spinning wheels and your thoughtful video was helpful to me this evening. Thank you so much and take care of yourself and your loved ones xxxx

Thank you for this thoughtful video. I feel calm and inspired now - the perfect combination ❤🥰

this was so nicely done. you should do something on looks, like "a life without mirrors" or something like that - your reflections on the matter, both with and without our ability to look at ourselves (and each other), just an idea you can run with :)

Just like the old school song, Sophie is Poetry in Motion. 🙌😉

I have been wondering about the exact same thing lately, and thank you for covering it so beautifully. I love your channel so much and the content you keep on creating, keep it up. ❤️ from SA

I’m impressed at how well you can put feelings into words. Thank you!