15 Comments

One decision I made to slow down once was to work part time in retail (even tho I had a masters degree) to spend more time on my writing (but with less financial pressure) and overall slow the pace of my work and life. It was a lovely season, and my fav part was removing the security tags at checkout.

Expand full comment

I love that you consciously made the decision to make more room for your writing work. I know Elizabeth Gilbert frequently did the same through her waitressing jobs. If it's important, we must create margin for it.

Expand full comment

I’m excited for this space and community! I spent so many years burned out and exhausted, rejecting any form of rest all for the sake of hustle and productivity. I’m thankful that the Lord has used motherhood to slow me down and open my eyes to that reckless way of living and working. This season, although challenging, has been restorative. Moving forward, I want to continue at this pace — the Three MPH pace.

Expand full comment

You are not alone. The hurried pace always catches up to us in one way or another. I'm proud of you for slowing down and making more room for rest. I'm glad you're here!

Expand full comment

“Working at the pace of Jesus” Love the encouragement of this entire post! It challenges us readers to reflect on where we are hurried in life, when are we at rest, and how can we rest more. Thank you for writing!

Expand full comment

Wow, Katie. You summarized exactly what I hoped to communicate in this first newsletter. Thank you so much for the kind comment!

Expand full comment

Oh, I love this. Totally guilty of living the hurried life. Thank you so much for sharing! I defiantly need to learn how to rest more and remember that it's actually a Healthy thing to do--and not me wasting my time lol

Expand full comment

Studies have shown rest always makes you more productive, not less, so it's a great use of time. There's so much that's possible when we aren't making decisions and living at a hurried pace. It's so great to connect with you, Merissa! I hope the rest of the upcoming essays will resonate just as much with you.

Expand full comment

In January I found out I am expecting a baby, which I am so thankful and excited for, but I was exhausted for weeks which forced me to slow down, and the first quarter of this year have felt very unproductive from a worldly perspective. I have found myself feeling guilty and under a lot of anxiety most days. Your article was so encouraging to read and I believe the Lord is teaching me (forcing me) to learn how to live life at a slower pace. I want to be content living at a slower pace without guilt when I have my baby in the fall, so I can be fully present and peaceful while still prioritizing my work too! Thank you for sharing Kayla!!

Expand full comment

First of all, a sweet congratulations on your pregnancy news! God really has a way of surprising us, doesn't He? Even if it's a good surprise, it can lead to unexpected emotions and beliefs we have to process through. As you continue to seek the Lord, I KNOW that you'll be more present and peaceful in this season and the ones to come. I'm so proud of you for seeing beyond the world perspective. That's HUGE.

Expand full comment

Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, Kayla!

Expand full comment

Thank you for sharing your beautiful writing with us, friend. I'm inspired by your words and excited to keep following along the Three MPH journey. One "slow-down-decision" I recently made is about how I structure my copywriting work. I'm moving away from the traditional freelance model of working with multiple clients on multiple projects at once, towards longer-term collaborations with fewer clients. I'm looking forward to engaging more deeply with clients, while also stepping away from the grind of sourcing new work.

Expand full comment

I LOVE this distinct shift in how you will be booking client projects. To many, they may still see you as the same copywriter, but you know the way you're structuring your offerings and schedule makes a radical difference in this upcoming season. I can't wait to hear what this intentional decision makes more room for!

Expand full comment

Choosing to be child-free invites more freedom and flexibility into my life and business. I experience the power of moving at my own pace. Seasons of rest are mine to decide. It's not the most mainstream intention, but it's made the most meaningful impact.

Expand full comment

It doesn't have to be a mainstream decision for it to be the right decision for you. Whether it's for life or even for a season, I'm so glad you're sensing the freedom and deciding for YOU instead of succumbing to the endless "supposed to's" we face every day.

Expand full comment