Stop and Smell the Cinnamon: Embracing Slow Living In Motherhood This Fall

As the leaves turn golden and the air carries that unmistakable crispness, autumn whispers a gentle reminder: it’s time to slow down. 

If you look closely at nature, fall is a juxtaposition between hurry and calm. Some animals hurry, storing and preparing for winter’s chill, while others surrender with quiet grace - accepting the beauty of fading leaves and turning inward, ready to leave the buzzing days of summer behind for the quiet solitude of the snow. 

For us mamas, this season often feels the same. We typically act like the squirrels, don't we? Busy, anxious, determined to do all the fall things: preserve food, soak up the outdoors, and prepare for the holidays. Yet at the same time, autumn invites us to pause, with the quiet desire to simply…be. Do you catch yourself staring in awe at the glow of the golden aspens at sunset? Watching in quiet wonder as the leaves rain down? Sipping your cinnamon coffee a little slower than usual?

So what if, no matter what the squirrels are up to, we allowed ourselves and our kiddos to embrace the slower rhythms that this season naturally invites?

The Beauty of Slowing Down

Autumn is inherently reflective. Days shorten, nights lengthen, and nature itself seems to exhale. Slow simply feels right. Even slow cooked meals taste better this time of year. Slow living in motherhood will savor the same in this beautiful, vibrant season.

For moms, this is the perfect invitation to recalibrate—to trade the rush for rhythm, the noise for quiet, and the endless “to-do” list for intentional presence. Slow living isn’t about doing less because we have to or giving up treasured family traditions; it’s about choosing what matters most and savoring it the same way you savor the sweet smells and flavors of fall. 

4 Rhythms to Nurture Your Family’s Desire for Slowness 

1. Gentle Starts

Notice how your little ones, little little roosters, sleep just a bit longer as the sun lingers beneath the horizon. Lean into it. Let mornings unfold slowly—brew a warm cup of coffee, linger in their comfies, and enjoy an unhurried breakfast. These soft beginnings set the tone for a calm day. Prioritize presence over productivity. Let some tasks slide in favor of a walk, a cuddle, or a quiet moment. This season is fleeting—just like these years with our babies.

2. Daily Outdoor Time

Autumn begs us outside. Make nature an anchor of your day. Crunch leaves underfoot, gather pinecones, watch Vs of geese trace the sky. Turn adventurous play into peaceful walks that connect your children to the wonder of nature and remind you to move at its pace: steady, unhurried, present. 

3. Seasonal Crafts and Play

Collect acorns, sticks, or colorful leaves for nature-inspired projects. Linger over watercolor or let little hands build seasonal decor with their gathered treasures. Keep the focus on the experience, not the end product. Creativity blooms when there’s no rush. For your littlest ones, use the things they've collected to make simple sensory bins or mud kitchens. Simplify your schedule by choosing a few meaningful experiences, then let the rest go. The season itself is magic.

4. Evening Reflection

As evenings darken earlier, gather in the glow of candles and dim lighting in the quiet ambience of your home after sundown. Read beautiful books, tell stories, or simply share highlights of your day and the things which make you thankful. Savor each other's presence over cups of cider. These moments teach children to pause, reflect, and delight in simple, wholesome joys. As the holidays loom, don't forget to set your mind and heart on the things that truly matter like the blessings of nature, home, family and faith.

Slow Living in Motherhood

The beauty of autumn mirrors the rhythms of life and motherhood itself: moments of growth, rest, and transformation. By leaning into slower days, we give ourselves permission to nurture our children - and ourselves - without pressure. 

Take time to enjoy the seasonal magic of pumpkin patches and giant leaf piles, but don't forget the deeper gift - slowing down and seeking the comforts of home and the outdoors as nature quietly tucks itself in for the colder months ahead. Model intentionality, peace, and gratitude, creating an environment where the whole family can breathe and enjoy the cozy comforts and warmth of this beautiful and abundant season.

An Invitation to You, Mama

This autumn, leave the manic busyness to the squirrels. Let the season shape your days rather than rushing into them. Encourage your children to notice the golden light, the crisp air, the rich smells of fall. 

And as you do, remember that slowing down doesn’t have to mean doing less - it means experiencing each moment more fully, deeply, deliberately…and pausing to be grateful in the midst. Let it remind you to trade busyness and hustle for pause, presence, and profound joy.

So, go ahead, stop and smell the cinnamon.