For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of living life on my own terms.

Doing what brought me joy, even if it was unconventional, and making snap decisions based on how they felt, not what made sense.

I was encouraged to climb the corporate ladder, but I wanted to build my own ladder, so I started a business.

And I girlbossed a little too hard.

Which led me to realize, after too many years, that you don’t have to hustle to be successful or happy. Slow, simple living allows us to identify what truly brings us joy - and that should never feel exhausting.

I’ve downshifted my pace of life, and I think you should too.

Downshifting isn’t stalling, it actually gives you greater momentum to power towards what you want.

Have you shifted a car? Try going up a hill in fifth gear. Your engine will sputter and potentially stall, meaning you have to restart the car to keep going.

Going upwards in second or third gear, however, gives you the steady power you need to make it to the top.

Fifth gear is great for cruising down the highway at high speed, but not so great when a hill comes along on a back road. Plus, you miss a lot along the way.

It’s the same in life. Going fast is unsustainable, and we lose the presence that allows us to fully enjoy our lives.

And joy guides us to purpose.

Here’s what I believe contributes to a joyful life:

• Doing things just because they’re fun

• Moving our bodies in a way that feels good

• Eating mindfully and without deprivation

• Owning less so we can live more

• Focusing our finances on what we value