The soft morning light spills into my bedroom to wake me, carrying a breeze filled with distant sounds of dogs barking, horses moving in the pasture, and roosters crowing. My eternal bare feet would tread through dew-covered grass, running freely in the gardens, or carry me to the back pasture where I’d sit strumming my guitar, watching the sunset paint the sky.

I tried to grow up slow.

As I got older, I explored the small town just outside our ranch, and eventually, the nearby city. I fell in love with the people, the art, the food carts, and the rhythmic hum of the train—it all felt magical. By my twenties, I moved into downtown, fully embracing the energy and pace of the city. But something was missing. At the time, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I later realized I craved the grounding connection to nature. I sought it out in the leafy trees outside my bay windows, weekend trips to the coast or mountains, or even a quiet lake. That connection became my way to unplug from the busyness of city life.

When I was younger, I thought we had to choose one thing: coffee or tea, cats or dogs, city or country. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that we can be many things all at once—a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.

Today, I know that growing up on a ranch didn’t just shape my career. It taught me how to embrace the beauty of slow, intentional living in a world that often feels too fast.

Lessons from Ranch Life That Shaped My Path

Hard Work is Non-Negotiable

I only told my grandmother I was bored once. Why just once? Because within minutes, she handed me a list of chores—gardening, scrubbing baseboards, and cleaning horse stalls. She taught me that discipline and hard work brought a deep sense of fulfillment.

But she also showed me the importance of balance. Mornings in the garden were paired with restful afternoons sipping tea. She taught me that rest wasn’t a reward for hard work—it was part of the process.

This lesson carried into my corporate career. The discipline and grit I developed helped me stand out and succeed, while the ability to rest kept me from burning out. It’s this balance that allows me to show up as my best self when it matters most.

There is Beauty in Slowing Down

Life moves differently when you’re waiting for flowers to bloom or watching seasons shape the land. Ranch life taught me patience and to appreciate the beauty of small, fleeting moments.

Now, I seek that same joy in the city. I find it in picking fresh flowers at the farmers market, walking along the water in the park, or sharing laughter with friends over nothing in particular—even on the busiest days.

Nature is a Grounding Force

Growing up in Oregon, I was surrounded by towering green trees and breathtaking mountains. At the time, I didn’t realize how much those natural landscapes grounded me. Now, in the absence of mountains, I find peace in small things: gazing at the light streaming through my loft’s spiral staircase or walking through the park near my home.

Lately, I’ve been dreaming of starting an herb and veggie garden on my rooftop patio. Despite not inheriting my grandmother’s green thumb, I’m excited to nurture something new—just as I did growing up.

Adaptability in the Face of Challenges

Ranch life was unpredictable. Whether I was chasing chickens back into their pen (despite my fear of birds) or staying up all night in the barn while my grandmother’s horse gave birth, I learned to adapt to the unexpected.

This resilience now serves me in corporate life. When faced with challenges or tight deadlines, I rely on the problem-solving skills honed in the pastures. Ranch life taught me to stay calm, think creatively, and act decisively—skills that are invaluable in any workplace.

From the Ranch to the City: Slow Living in a Fast-Paced World

Embracing Slow Living in the City

Ranch life instilled in me the value of simplicity, mindfulness, and balance. Despite my back-to-back meetings, I prioritize slow mornings with a cup of coffee in the sun or a short guided meditation.

On the busiest days, I carve out meaningful moments in the evening—cooking a simple meal from scratch, savoring my skincare routine, or reading before bed. These rituals bring me back to myself, no matter how hectic the day has been.

Finding Alignment

Growing up close to the earth shaped my pursuit of alignment in every aspect of life. It’s what keeps me grounded as I navigate new roles and challenges in my career, helping me approach each day with humility and intention.

Creating Space for Joy

Slow living doesn’t mean sacrificing ambition—it means being intentional about where I focus my energy. At one point, work consumed my identity, leaving little room for anything else. But I’ve learned to balance work with other joys, and it’s brought more fulfillment than I ever imagined.

If this resonates, I encourage you to find ways to incorporate slowness and mindfulness into your own life, no matter your background.

Practical Ways to Embrace Slow Living

• Morning Rituals: Start your day intentionally—enjoy your coffee, meditate, or spend time outside.
• Pockets of Stillness: Take short walks during the workday or step away from screens for a few minutes to recenter.
• Evening Wind-Downs: Create boundaries between work and home. Play music while you cook, light a candle, or disconnect from screens.

Closing thoughts

I used to feel self-conscious about my country roots, thinking they didn’t fit the mold of a corporate professional. But looking back, I’m so grateful for the wildflowers, horses, and quiet moments that shaped me.

Take a moment this week to reflect on how your upbringing has influenced your journey—and how you might embrace a slower, more mindful way of living. Join next week when we’ll talk through productivity tools that every corporate professional should try.

In the meantime: How will you slow down this week to focus on intentional living?

Mindfully,
MK