Episode 227: Time, County Fairs, and Creating a Routine That Actually Works
In this episode of the Real People, Real Coaching series on the Slow Living Podcast, Shelly and I begin in the most delightful place possible: county fairs.
We chat about table scapes, the charm of Home and Hobby Garden entries, and the simple joy of putting yourself out there just for the fun of it. (There is something deeply aligned with Slow Living about entering your jam or your zucchini bread into a county fair, isn’t there?)
But as always, the conversation gently deepens.
Shelly shares about her new role at work and the very real challenge of adjusting to different hours and a different rhythm. When your schedule changes, everything changes — morning routines, energy levels, downtime, even how you relate to the people in your home.
Together, we dig into:
- — How to create a routine that fits your actual life (not the one you used to have)
- — Why productivity isn’t about doing more — it’s about seeing clearly
- — A simple time-blocking exercise that helped Shelly understand where her time and energy were really going
- — Morning routines that support instead of pressure
- — The quiet power of daily connection (including Shelly’s supportive scrapbooking community)
One of the biggest shifts in this episode comes from awareness. When Shelly mapped out her time, she wasn’t looking for judgment — she was looking for clarity. And clarity always gives you options.
We also revisit themes that have been unfolding throughout this coaching journey: boundaries, caregiving, and the emotional complexity of family dynamics. Shelly describes herself as an “introverted extrovert,” which opens up a meaningful conversation about how we show up socially versus what we actually need to feel restored.
Have you taken a listen? Let me know your thoughts!!
To catch up on any of the past Real People, Real Coaching episodes with Shelly and also to listen to the Melessa and Kelsea series, check out the podcast notes page for the full line up.
Happy Slow Living!!!
oxox steph
