Rejoice in the way things are.

Dear friend,

I don't know about you, but in this journey of simplifying, slowing down and living with more intention, I'm often asking myself "what do I really want?"

I'm reminded of a beautiful quote by Lao Tzu, packed with wisdom:

“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”

Whoa. That feels like truth to me...deep in my soul.

So often, we live like we are grasping at sand—holding tightly to busyness, possessions, or expectations, fearing that letting go will leave us with less. But our wholeness comes not from what we cling to but from trusting in the fullness of what already is.

Living a simpler, slower life doesn’t mean emptying your hands; it means opening them wide enough to hold the things that truly matter. It’s about making space for joy, presence, and connection.

Imagine your life as a garden. If every inch of soil is crowded with weeds or unnecessary growth, the most beautiful flowers cannot take root. When we tend to our lives with care—removing what no longer serves us and nurturing what brings life—we create a space where beauty can flourish.

So this week, instead of asking what’s missing?, consider asking what’s already here?

• Where in your life can you let go of striving and instead embrace rest?

• What seeds of joy, gratitude, or connection can you nurture today?

• How might your heart feel if you allowed it to believe you are already enough?

When we surrender the rush, the striving, and the clutter, we discover the freedom to live with intention. And in that freedom, the whole world truly belongs to us—not in its material excess, but in its sacred abundance.

Let’s walk this journey together. We are learning to live slower, simpler, more intentional lives—not because we’re lacking, but because we’re ready to make space for what really matters.

With love and simplicity,

Julie, founder, Mindfulhaus | UNHURRIED | Women who Rest™