Commit to be Fit: Slow down to find holiday joy

The holiday season often feels like a whirlwind — endless to-do lists, shopping and social obligations that may leave us longing for the very joy we are hoping to experience.

My mom recently told me about a new book she picked up, and just hearing the title made me feel more peaceful. Bestselling author Matthew Kelly just released his newest book, “Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy: The Simple Art of Taking Back Your Life.” In his book, Kelly invites us to pause, reflect and realign our lives with what truly matters. As we approach the holidays, Kelly’s message offers a timely reminder that the season’s beauty lies not in busyness but in simplicity, connection and intentionality.

Busyness leads to overwhelm

Kelly highlights a troubling reality: when researchers ask people to describe how they feel daily, the most common response is “overwhelmed.” Not happy, not grateful — overwhelmed. He explains that this may stem from the constant rushing, and ways we fill our lives with things that may not truly matter to us. Unfortunately, our full schedules may be robbing us of the joy we are yearning to experience.

Slow down

So, what’s the antidote? Kelly’s answer is simple, yet it can be life-changing: slow down. “Joy erupts within us when we allow an experience to touch the very depths of our souls. That cannot be rushed,” he writes. He invites readers to “slow down to the speed of joy” and offers practical ways to make this shift.

Take back your Sundays

One of Kelly’s suggestions is reclaiming Sundays as “mini-Sabbaths.” He encourages dedicating the time within this day to pause, reflect and reconnect. Imagine spending your Sundays during the holiday season focused on gratitude, meaningful conversations, or simply being present with loved ones. How might this transform your experience of this busy season?

You are enough and have enough

Another powerful insight from Kelly is his focus on the concept of “enough.” “Enough is a beautiful word,” he writes. “It signifies balance, harmony, sufficiency, and contentment.”

Kelly believes one reason why we don’t slow down is that we don’t feel we are enough or have enough. This mindset drives us to fill our time with excess, leaving us emotionally depleted. Learning to embrace the idea of “being enough” and “having enough” allows us to find joy not in excess, but in presence — presence with the Divine, ourselves, others, and the sacred moments that make this time of year special.

Practice gratitude

Gratitude is central to slowing down. When we pause to appreciate the small, beautiful moments around us, we invite joy into our lives. From the twinkle of Christmas lights, the lighting of Hanukkah candles, to the laughter of loved ones, these are the moments that hold the magic we’re seeking.

This holiday season, instead of rushing through December, consider slowing down and embracing the simple joys of the season. Slowing down and being fully present will create more joy in your life and will be the best gift you can offer yourself and those you hold dear.

From my family to yours, I am wishing you love, peace and the gift of joy this holiday season.

  Buy Photo

Kylie Alger is a certified wellness coach and co-owner of the Well-Woman: Body, Mind & Spirit. Comments: kylie@thewellwoman.org.