Living With Intention: My Slow-Living Story and Tips for Your Journey

It was 2021, and yours truly was hustling as a content writer for Affinity Global's super cool lifestyle website, 'Munchable.com', right in the heart of buzzing Mumbai. Life was a rollercoaster of creativity until one fine day, our CEO dropped a bombshell idea on us. Cue the drumroll, please! He wanted us to create something epic, something more valuable—enter the magnificent "munchable 2.0" (later renamed to "GoodGuilt"). After a week of brainstorming, soul-searching, and diving deep into research, our dream team birthed GoodGuilt—an extraordinary platform dedicated to sustainable living. It's all about loving the planet and, loving ourselves too.

Now, here's the scoop: Before GoodGuilt, I was far from sustainability. Sure, I've had a fleeting flirtation with minimalism, and I vaguely remember my school's lecture on the environment. But truth be told, I never really gave saving the planet much thought. But oh boy, did GoodGuilt change that! As I embarked on my journey of writing for this game-changing platform, I realized that sustainability is like a ginormous sea teeming with quirky fish. And you know what fish became my ultimate fave? Veganism and slow living!

Hold on to your hats because I've got a confession to make—I ditched the meat train. That's right, I'm not a full-blown vegan just yet, but I've bid farewell to my chicken and egg days. I started savoring locally grown veggies. And when I say local, I mean plucking those fresh, healthy veggies straight from the backyard of nearby villagers who are master gardeners. And don't worry, I'm not mooching off them—I pay them fairly for their green goodies! But guess what? It doesn't end there. My mom and I even transformed our kitchen into a mini Eden, growing our very own curry leaves, chilies, lemon, aloe vera, bottle gourd different colors of roses, hibiscus, and a few more flower plants.

My roses

It's like having our own secret spice stash! And you know what? It's not just about being a vegetarian or slowly turning into a vegan—it's a part of my slow-living adventure that I've embraced without even realizing it.

Slow living, my friend, is the key to unlocking a mindful and meaningful existence. It's like having your own personal Zen master guiding you through the dance of life. But let me tell you, slow living is not just about dodging FOMO or saying sayonara to mindless activities. It's about cutting out the things that don't light your fire, finding your groove, and living life on your own groovy terms.

Not too long ago, I was a party lover, dancing the night away almost every weekend like there was no tomorrow. But guess what? Those wild nights lost their sparkle. Waking up with a pounding headache and a gurgling stomach became a major buzzkill. So, I bid farewell to the club scene. Instead of pounding dance floors, I started catching up with friends and colleagues after work. We'd gather at our cozy hangout spot, indulging in conversations that could last for hours—deep talks about things that truly mattered.

My weekends transformed into a sanctuary of self-care and intentional living. Invigorating yoga sessions, exploring rad new courses on LinkedIn, strolling through nature like a zen ninja, catching up on some heavenly beauty sleep, decluttering my space to make room for good vibes, diving into books, becoming the proud parent of green babies (aka plants), and concocting exciting new recipes in the kitchen. Talk about a weekend upgrade, right?

Now, let's talk about my shopping escapades. I used to be the queen of bad purchases. It was like a curse—I'd come home with clothes that didn't fit or flatter me or things that ended up collecting dust on a shelf. Result? My wardrobe became a graveyard of fashion disasters. But guess what? GoodGuilt taught me the art of buying only what I truly need and will actually use. And boy, has it been a game-changer! Plastic-packaged face wash and toothpaste got the boot in favor of organic alternatives housed in fancy glass containers. Heavy-duty spa products were ditched for homemade, all-natural fruit pastes. The outcome? A clutter-free haven and a lighter load on landfills. Double win!

But here's the deal—slow living isn't about being a flawless slow-living superhero 24/7. Nope, it's one heck of a journey, complete with its fair share of imperfections. Slip-ups happen, and that's okay. The key is to reflect, learn, and embrace each step mindfully. Slow living is all about grooving to your own rhythm, one conscious step at a time.

So, if you also want to embark on this slow-living adventure, here are a few ways that I learned (and am still learning) to get started and infuse some serious slow-living magic into your life:

1. Enjoy the deliciousness of locally grown foods that not only tantalize your taste buds but also support local farmers. It's a win-win flavor explosion!

2. Embrace new habits that bring joy and happiness into your life. Let them dance their way into your routine and watch your heart and soul do the happy dance too.

3. Step up your fashion game as a slow fashionista. Shop with purpose, choosing clothes that make you feel amazing and spark joy in your wardrobe.

4. Say goodbye to small talk and dive into soulful conversations with friends. These meaningful interactions will nourish your mind.

5. Trade wild nights at clubs for invigorating nature walks and revitalizing yoga sessions. Feel the zen warrior within you awaken as you connect with the beauty of the natural world.

6. Wave farewell to your alcoholic alter ego and say hello to refreshing and healthy smoothies.

7. Create a sanctuary of calm in your home by decluttering and organizing your space. Let go of the things that no longer serve you and make room for a more peaceful environment.

8. Take time to unplug from technology and embrace moments of solitude. Disconnecting from screens and embracing stillness allows you to recharge and reconnect with yourself.

9. Practice mindfulness in your daily activities. Whether it's savoring a cup of tea, taking a leisurely walk, or simply breathing deeply, be fully present and immerse yourself in the beauty of the moment.

10. Cultivate gratitude by keeping a journal of things you're thankful for. Take a few moments each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and let gratitude fill your heart.

11. Explore your creativity through hobbies and crafts. Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow your creative juices to flow freely.

So, my fellow seeker of the slow life, strap on your adventure boots, live with intention and watch as your life transforms into a colorful masterpiece of mindfulness and sustainability. You've got this, and remember—slow and steady wins the groovy race!