Enough 🗞️ Slow News Day #53

Hey,

Enough isn’t especially sexy.

A packed-out calendar and a few hours’ sleep sounds more industrious than prioritising rest.

A thriving stable of side-hustles is more admirable than doing a couple of things well as part of a sensibly balanced schedule.

A two-bed house, just the right size at just the right budget, pales in comparison to a five-bed mansion that’d saddle me with debt.

Excess is the name of the game. Struggle, hustle, stretch.

But ‘enough’ is a get out clause from all the bullshit pressures. I don’t have to buy into the incessant barrage of adverts and social media highlights telling me that my body isn’t right, my clothes aren’t in season, and my life isn’t vivid enough. Materialism and consumerism are cruel forces to work for because no matter how hard I try, I’m always going to be a step behind where they say I “should” be. By keeping enough in mind, I get to show them a satisfying middle finger and focus my energy on what’s good in the world, rather than listening to the voices that paint imaginary faults in my life.

Knowing what enough looks like means I know when to stop. And knowing when to stop means I leave space for everything else. Or nothing.

Knowing what enough work looks like means I leave space for leisure.

Knowing what enough social activity looks like means I leave space for solitude.

Knowing what enough income looks like means I have space for things that light up my heart but don’t pay a penny.

Enough keeps things in balance and protects my energy. It might not fit the glitz and glamour image of £100k freelancing, flashing the latest tech and equipment, and other material measures of success... but it does fit the idea of living a kind, calm, slow life with space for all the beautiful shades of existence.

That's my aspiration.

Slow down guide

Need a little help moving slower?

Ease your way out of Friday afternoon with this newsletter, a nice cup of something, and a little background music. Steal my setup if you aren't sure where to start.

After I press send, I’ll be cracking open a can from my Lowtide Mixed Case. Look, I know it’s not a coffee, but I’m in a funny patch for making recommendations right now. The coworking space I’m in has free coffee and they’re your bog standard ‘do the job’ Nespresso-style pods. I’m here most days, so that’s my current routine and it doesn’t make for a great share. The evenings are where it’s at—and there’s nothing better than some AF beer, in my eyes.

Give Loyle Carner’s Speed of Plight a spin whilst you take an AF, alcoholic, caffeinated, or decaf sip. He’s a hell of a lyricist and the beat on this track sticks like sugar syrup. I think this is one of those mellow hip-hop songs, sprinkled with jazz and older beats, in which everyone can find something to enjoy.

Is the world moving fast for you, as well?

Take it easy,