When’s the last time you noticed something that made you pause to look, to think, to wonder? A little moment seemingly outside of time?

I’ve been taking time off this month, for a much-needed break.

With the intention of slowing down.

But I’m also remembering that slowing down, taking breaks (even for those little moments outside of time), unplugging, they need to be part of my every day.

I get so easily caught up in plans and projects. And although I love what I do (and am so grateful to be living a life built around my creativity), I also need some space. I need space and time to think and dream and imagine and notice.

I need to pay attention to the way my favorite tree changes from green to gold. I need to pay attention to the phases of the moon. I need to watch for “my” hummingbird in the garden each day and notice when she’s moved on for the year.

Slowing down isn’t easy. Mindfulness isn’t easy. Making time for self-care — however you want to define it — isn’t easy. But it’s so important.

Although it’s been a while, one thing that’s helped me is creating a ritual around writing daily Joy Lists. Joy Lists helped me through dark times. Writing them helped me to shift my perspective to the light. But even when life is good, writing Joy Lists or Gratitude Lists helps me to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n. It forces me to pay attention. To travel through my days with my eyes open to the magic of the world around me.

It’s so easy to go through our days without really paying attention. When we’re rushing. Or just focused on what we need to DO.

So let’s slow down, ok? Let’s pay attention. Let’s write some Joy Lists.

Use a pretty notebook or download these free printables with my art. You can find the quarter-sheet lists here.

And this mini gratitude journal here.*

For the next week challenge yourself to write a Joy or Gratitude List each day.

Carve out some time and space to make it special. Maybe do it just before bed, remembering each of the little bits of beauty or magic you spotted throughout the day. Or keep the lists with you and add to them as you notice something.

Each day you’ll be inviting tiny pauses. Slowing down for time to wonder. By the end of the week, I hope your perspective has begun to shift, that you’re feeling more space, more ease. Finding more quiet spaces, seemingly outside of time.

Let me know how it goes.

The Joy Lists and Gratitude Journal are both part of the free resource library I’ve compiled for my Joy Letter subscribers. Not yet a subscriber? Sign up below: