31 Slow

I’m doing something new this year and in my unbridled excitement, my husband lovingly suggested I invite you in on it, too.

I’m calling it 31 Slow (inspired by the highly acclaimed 75 Hard). I have this strong desire to hit the reset. But not in the, I’m-ready-to-spend-money-I-don’t-have-on-a-gym-membership-and-specialized-diet-plan sort of way. More like, I-am-tired-on-a-cellular-level-and-I-want-to-feel-alive-again, sort of way.

I don’t have a lot of time these days. With two young boys and a six month old in tow, I am chronically tired and perpetually fighting for a gratitude and contentment that eludes me the moment I begin my mindless scrolling binges. On the one hand, I’m tired and stressed and mildly anxious. But on the other, I have these dreams I can’t seem to shake. There’s this tension I carry between my calling to motherhood + discipleship and this inner tugging to keep making art. Keep writing. Keep capturing beauty.

Is there a way to do both well? I’m not entirely sure. But I know that I waste a lot of time on things that fall into neither of those categories.

Cue my idea for 31 Slow.

Slow is my word for 2025. Slow is meaningful because it doesn’t define the what but the how. And it can be applied to any area of my life. It is a call to be more present with my kids, to take the necessary time to nourish my own body and soul, to be a noticer of God’s good gifts, and the pace at which I pursue these pesky longings rattling around inside me.

Slow also means movement is taking place. I’m not seeking overnight success or viral content. I’m finding a pace I can sustain for the long haul. One that may take me a little bit longer to reach the finish line, but one that reminds me that the finish line was never the goal.

Feel free to take this word and make it your own. Feel free to jump in on this challenge or adapt it to your own goals.

I’m sharing this in vulnerability, before I’ve done the thing. Will you help hold me accountable?

31 Slow Challenge

For the month of January—

nos—

• no scrolling social media

• no Amazon orders or online shopping

• only necessary purchases

• No sweets (focus on nourishing foods)

yeses—

• daily exercise

• daily time in the Word and prayer

• daily gratitude list

• weekly home date nights with spouse

• one date night out

• weekly sabbath

My number one goal in all of this is simply to increase my awareness of God. There are some seasons where I can find him anywhere it seems—a missing Lego piece, a dreaded phone call, a highly imaginative eight year old boy. But lately, He’s been harder to spot.

I had this revelation the other day that we don’t have to look hard to find God, but we do have to listen close.

So I’m turning down the dial on all the other voices vying for my attention. If He’s speaking, I don’t want to miss it.

Will you join me?