Jen Ottovegio Coaching

December 2, 2025

Why Slowing Down Is So Hard (And Why I’m Practicing Anyway)

I’ve been thinking a lot about slowing down lately — not as a luxury or something we 'earn', but as a life skill. A leadership skill. A sanity skill.

I’ll be real with you:
Slowing down is hard for me.

I love getting things done. The thrill of checking things off a list is real. This isn't inherently bad. But, sometimes I hide inside the pace.

Over the last year this phrase kept coming to me:

"The Unhurried Woman"

This idea came originally from Elizabeth Gilbert. She talks about the powerful energy of a "relaxed woman" who does not rush. (See her talk about the power of being relaxed). 🤯

How infrequently we see this! The moment I heard her describe it, I felt something in my chest exhale.

Relaxed felt like too much of a stretch for me, honestly.
So I went with unhurried.

An Unhurried Woman trusts herself and is unapologetic about it. She prioritizes intentionality. Lets go of “shoulds.” Doesn't overcommit. She is soft and strong.

Most importantly, she separates self-worth from achievements. THAT is the power of the unhurried woman. Can you feel the *swagger* in that?!

Even if you don’t identify as a woman, the principle applies universally:

When you’re unrushed and relaxed, you become harder to knock off center.

That’s what I want for myself.

I want to be a sturdy parent. A reliable parter. A resourced friend. I also want to have a present and attentive relationship with myself.

It’s not “slowness for slowness’ sake” — it’s slowness for all the goodness it brings. (Read all the reasons in my latest blog post.)

So, yes. I dubbed 2025 as the year of “The Unhurried Woman.”

I’m not the only one wearing many hats - entrepreneur, parent, wife/partner/lover, friend, dancer, community-builder, meditation teacher, artist, 'room parent' at my kids school, aunt, neighbor, middle-aged woman, and a part of a massive bi-coastal extended family.

Your list sound similar? It can be a lot.

So. I gathered all my ideas into a new blog post for you. (And for me).

👉 How to Slow Down When There’s So Much to Do: A Practical Guide to Capacity-Building​

In the post, I share 10 good reasons to slow down. I re-read these often to "give myself permission" to slow it the F down. To remind myself that slowing down is essential — not optional — if I want to be the person I want to be (present, grounded, happy, etc).

In the post, I talk about capacity-building, inner refueling, self-resourcing, creating internal margin, and treating your nervous system like a savings account (small deposits count). Included are examples from life and work. So it isn’t just theory — there are practices you can try right now -- in the middle of your full, beautiful, complicated life.

A Meditation to Support You

If you want something tangible, I recorded a guided meditation that supports this theme.

▶️ Meditation: How to Slow Down When There's So Much To Do​
​https://youtu.be/bq9gx1kD5Sc?si=s5ObBps0FBErtJ8t​

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It’s designed to help you downshift, reconnect to your body, and find a steadier internal pace — even if the world around you is moving fast.

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Join This Month’s Reset Ritual

Tomorrow I'm hosting an accessible, drop-in style virtual gathering to help you slow down. You're invited.

We will gather. I will help you reflect honestly at what mattered in November. And support you to choose 1 clear intention for December.

If you want to practice being unhurried, this ritual is a damn good place to start. $5-15 suggested contribution.

👉 Register Here​

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SUMMARY

Slowing down isn’t natural for me — not yet.
But I’m learning it. Practicing it. Returning to it.

When I remember to slow down, I become the more grounded, confident, badass version of myself.

What does “the unhurried woman” energy look like, for you?​
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Hit reply and share — I always read your responses.

💙 jen

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My Winter Foundations Coaching Program will open for enrollment in January. If you or someone you know might benefit from 1:1 coaching, you're welcome to book a free 30-minute call to explore it.