As the cool autumn air settles in and the days grow shorter, I find myself naturally slowing down, leaning into the coziness of the season. Fall invites us to pause, savor the quiet mornings with a steaming cup of tea, and enjoy the leaves’ vibrant colors during long, thoughtful walks. This season reminds me of the value of intentionally living with my homemaking and writing.
For so long, I felt the pressure to rush—whether to meet deadlines, manage my household, or juggle the endless list of daily tasks. But as fall rolls in, it’s as if Mother Nature wants to remind me to slow down, take deeper breaths, and appreciate the beauty in the stillness. And in doing so, I’ve recognized that my writing flourishes in the quiet moments.
The Power of Cozy Moments
There’s something magical about curling up under a soft blanket, candlelight flickering nearby, with my journal or laptop in hand. In these cozy moments, my mind opens up in a way that it rarely does when I’m rushing from one thing to the next. The slower pace in the evening allows ideas to bloom at their own rhythm, and I find myself writing from a place of deeper reflection and creativity.
When I make space for stillness, I notice details I might otherwise overlook—the subtle shifts in my characters’ motivations, the way the mood changes in a scene, or the emotions simmering just beneath the surface. These observations breathe life into my stories, allowing me to write with more depth and mindfulness.
Mindfulness in Homemaking and Writing
Slowing down hasn’t just improved my writing, it has transformed how I approach homemaking. I used to view household tasks as something to rush through—a checklist to be completed as quickly as possible. But now, I’m learning to approach each task with mindfulness. There’s a quiet satisfaction in folding laundry, preparing meals, or tidying up the home. I no longer see these activities as chores but as opportunities to ground myself and create a nurturing space.
This sense of mindfulness has naturally carried over to my writing. Instead of pushing myself to write as much as possible in a short time frame, I’ve adopted a slower, more intentional approach. I start my mornings early, before the rest of the house wakes up, and allow myself to write without pressure. It’s become a ritual that not only helps me produce better work but also brings a sense of calm and purpose to my day.
The Magic of Fall Walks
One of my favorite ways to slow down and reset is by taking long walks in the crisp fall air. There’s something about being surrounded by the changing leaves, hearing the crunch of the ground beneath my feet, and breathing in the cool, fresh air that clears my mind like nothing else. These walks have become my time to reflect, daydream, and work through plot points or character developments. Often, I come back from a walk with new ideas, inspired by the natural beauty around me.
These walks remind me that creativity isn’t something to be forced. Just as the seasons change at their own pace, so too does the flow of inspiration. When I embrace that––when I let myself slow down and connect with the world around me––the ideas come more freely. And often in ways I could never predict.
Intentional Living Enhances Creativity
In embracing a slower, more intentional lifestyle, I’ve learned that creativity thrives in spaciousness. By allowing myself to move through the day with mindfulness, I’m no longer trying to force ideas or rush through my writing. Instead, I’m creating a life that nurtures my creativity. The cozy moments, the quiet mornings, the long walks—they’ve become essential parts of my creative process, fueling my writing and overall sense of well-being.
Slowing down doesn’t mean doing less. It means doing things with more purpose and presence. It’s about savoring the small joys and allowing the stillness to guide me, both in my home and in my writing. And in this season of reflection, I’m grateful for the reminder that the most meaningful work often comes not from rushing, but from taking the time to listen, to observe, and to create with intention.
Here’s to embracing the slower pace of fall—and to the inspiration and creativity it brings.
Elizabeth Yuen 