Tuning In for Slow Living Creatives

Read and Comment HereI think about purpose, mission, tactile creations and “what’s the point of it all?” a lot…. My recent week no exception.I’m constantly trying to make sense of the online space and where I can add true support vs. adding to the consumerism and “more” culture we live in. Carefully making sure I’m not making because there’s a market for it but making because there’s a genuine need I can fill and a spark within me to create it.So when this question: “If the internet went away today… what would I do/create in our town?” popped into my mind- I got giddy!Doesn’t it sound so fun to imagine your creative expression, IRL… what form it would have taken before the internet… and to hear the community’s creative answers too??There’s something so grounding about bringing the online space into the tangible present for me. About finding ways to take this abstract concept of the internet and balance it out with what we can touch and share. I’m beyond grateful for what the internet offers and has allowed me to create- and I’m also constantly looking for balance here.Now to you- what would your online creations look like IRL? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

Join the Poll or Read Here* We can go anywhere.* We can do anything.* We can watch whatever we want.* Read whatever we want.* Listen to whatever we want.* Eat whatever we want.* Anytime. Any place.But let’s be real… it’s a lot.It’s overwhelming + exhausting. A never-ending cycle of one decision after another. No wonder I feel decision fatigued.Don’t get me wrong- I’m grateful to have choices. To tailor my life to what works specifically for me, what I enjoy most, etc. etc.But there’s just something about the concept of: Confinement in my decisions- that’s resonating right now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead or Join the Creative Co-op HereIn my recent therapy sessions, we’ve uncovered multiple parts of me asking for rest.But the thing is… I feel like I have been resting- more than I ever have before if I’m being honest. I’ve been: watercoloring, reading fiction, watching videos and shows that make me laugh and snowboarding- often.So I found myself questioning: Then what constitutes as rest? What else can I be doing to rest? Because doing more feels scary- like now I'm not doing anything at all.Then I took to ChatGPT and had a lovely conversation that deepened my minimalist practice and might help you too↓I'm sharing it inside my Staying Minimal SeriesMaintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: creativity, decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Join the Creative Co-op HereView the Staying Minimal series here.

Read or Comment HereIt’s been 3 weeks since I’ve created here on Substack.Why? Because:* I haven’t had much to say here lately.* I did have a lot to say in one of my products (so I spent a full day updating that instead.)* And we’ve entered a new chapter in our family- so the rest of my time and attention has been funneled there.It wasn’t until today- when my dad had the kids, my husband was out of town and I had a second to ground in that I realized- I feel ok with not having created for this publication recently.Not because I don’t care.Not because I don’t want to create here.… But because I want to share when I actually have something to share.For me, becoming a creative today means intentionally putting up my blinders.* It means tuning into what’s right for me and tuning out the rest.* It means leaning into the edit, intentionality and seeing that less can be just as beautiful as more.* And the hardest part of all- ignoring the shoulds and not comparing my intuition to today’s current “best practices.”I think there’s something beautiful, novel, and maybe even old-school about creating when you’re inspired versus creating for a schedule. I love the idea that seeing my message in your inbox- triggers you to think “Oh- if Megan just sent something she must really have something to say.”Maybe that’s my perfectionism talking? Maybe that’s just what works for my creativity? Either way- I wanted to add another piece out there normalizing that we don’t need to create all the time to create something meaningful.* Sometimes resting and doing other things,* Going against “best practices” and formulating something really potent.* Or having nothing to say at all and being silent- speaks more loudly.And while I do have plenty of things I plan to create here- they’re still whispers. They’re not yelling at me to come out. So I’m letting them grow instead of forcing them to.Maybe you can relate too? Have you been doing something else instead of creating? Leave a comment and let us know.If you enjoyed this piece you might also like:* What if I approached this all as the ‘Megan Moran Magazine?* Exploring Essence Boards 🎨* Clearing the noise around how I create This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead, Comment or Join the Creative Co-op HereI was sitting at a cafe a couple weeks ago with the kids… feeling ungrounded… spiraling as per usual with all of my creative ideas.I firmly believe my brain transforms into the egg scrambler ride sometimes: I’ll have an idea I’m excited about and then another idea and then a to-do list item comes to the forefront and eventually they all circle their way back- front and center.So to help myself feel grounded during this particular chaotic spiral… I found myself grabbing a piece of paper and a pen (a comment card to be exact because that’s all that was around) and I got to organizing.It’s my go-to process when I’m feeling overwhelmed:* Write down what I’m thinking about.* Clear out any clutter that’s no longer serving me.* And with less in front of me… I can breathe again and focus on what matters most.I circle back to this minimalist practice often… and instead of adding to the wild ride … it slows the ride down (typically to a stop.)As I was going through this process I ended up drawing a little diagram.An ecosystem of sorts that helped me understand my creative impulses. And it felt like an exhale.With this diagram in mind now, creating feels so much more relaxed and grounded. I can visually see the rhythm that intuitively drives me. And I don’t feel the urge to force myself into that rhythm for consistencies sake… Instead this simple guide has helped me realign myself when I’m ungrounded.And I wanted to share this process inside our co-op so you can access this exhale too↓Staying Minimal: A series focused on on maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: creativity, decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.View the Staying Minimal series here.

Read or Comment Here…. I’ve never really cared much about the snow.I’ve lived in Ohio most of my life, so:* I’m used to it.* It doesn’t bother me….* buttttt I’ve always been a “give me a white Christmas and then bring on the warmer weather” kind of girl.Until I tried snowboarding last week…As I’ve been sharing this latest obsession with friends and family, it dawned on me just how much everything is always working out for us.We’ve lived elsewhere before and chose to move back to our hometown.While traveling certainly makes new things appear when we come back. Throwing this new love into the mix has made me realize, more than ever, how lucky we are to live here. Right where we already are.It’s like I’m seeing all the possibilities that were already within arms reach for the first time.I think that’s what’s been so magical about this experience. That everything was already right here for me… before I even knew I wanted it.It’s comforting to know that sometimes the right things find us…even when we don’t see them (for years) or know where they will fit.Ultimately it made me soften, to feel excited and grateful for what’s around me and has inspired me to open my eyes more. To trust more and keep following those intuitive nudges.Have you ever felt this sensation?Leave a comment This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead or Comment HereBefore sharing my intentional, creative life here- I had my own wardrobe styling company.✨ (If you’re curious about it- here are some articles on my styling days.)It’s why my friends + family often ask my thoughts on outfits and fashion.But the biggest compliment is when Collin asks me for help. He (actually) trusts me to equip him with high-level advice (instead of just dressing him) so he can confidently choose pieces that excite him.He recently decided to invest in his wardrobe too, but after shopping online he felt a little scrambled and like something was missing.He asked me to:* take a look at his shopping carts* see how versatile the pieces he picked are (i.e. do mix + match well?)* confirm what was worth investing in* and let him know if there’s anything else he needsIt was a “put me in coach!” kind of moment and afterwards I realized that the approach I took to help him find his answer… is a universal principle I use to make decision making simpler throughout my day.So I thought I’d share the 3 step approach I took to intentionally add to his wardrobe (+ how it translates into my every day life) inside my Staying Minimal Series↓Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Join Our Creative Co-Op

Read this article hereFor How I Read all these Books for FREE + my ‘24 book review » CLICK HERE «Join me on GoodReadsWhat books did you read and love this year? Share some recs here so we can all save them for 2026!! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

Read or Comment HereIn a previous life… my world was: fashion.I was a:* wardrobe stylist* mobile boutique owner* personal shopper* and closet cleansing maniacAnd my closet reflected that (in my own way.)But one thing I didn’t focus on at the time was longevity.I bought well but I didn’t invest. I didn’t think about how many years I could take care of a piece. How it would support me long term. I just thought about what matched my style at that moment.And then I met this little silk dress… and everything changed. I’d never felt so good in something. I put it on and was like “woah….” I looked at myself differently. And it got me thinking about investing… in pieces that last longer than a season or one event.It shifted the way I looked at my wardrobe… and left me with an urge to fully invest in it.To stop buying fast fashion that works just for this season and start thinking “like a Parisian.” Like someone who sees wardrobe-building as a lifelong curation, not a constant sport of shopping.So here’s what I did about it:- Want to see the 32 things I recently got rid of? Click here- Rose 2-Way Cardigan | White Bodysuit | Navy Cardigan | Striped Sweater- Bennet Fur Lined Boots | Evelyn Heeled Booties- The other brand I considered was Blundstone but felt like the Toms style was more me.- I also grabbed these cute new tennies to replace my worn out ones.- I was at a trade show for my mom’s business and came across this amazing booth.>> I’d love to here your take in the comments P.S. Are you a minimalist or an aspiring one? Curious about: Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Then join us inside the paid tier to unlock my latest series: Staying Minimal.Filled with thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Upgrade Here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comUpgrade and Join the Conversation HereThere’s no better time (for me) to maintain my minimalism practice than during the holiday season. It feels like my version of “the big game.” 🤣I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… minimalism has always given me MORE not less… we still do gifts- we just focus on less so they can enjoy them more.And after staying up until 1am the other night- getting intentional about what we want the holidays to look like this year… I think I’ve unlocked a new level🔓I thought you might be interested in the list and how I’m maintaining my minimalist lifestyle this season…You can find all 25 days of experiences plus ways to celebrate as a couple AND decorate for Christmas morning (with what you already have) inside my latest series:Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us inside the paid tier to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Upgrade and Join the Conversation Here

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead and comment hereWe just got back from trying on van life in Florida to celebrate Sophia’s 5th birthday and boy…. did we learn a lot.I was SO excited for this trip after becoming obsessed with the idea of traveling with a home on wheels.* I envisioned it.* I felt it.* I was open to it not being a fit for us.* But secretly… I was convinced the trip was going to be perfect.And before the trip even started… our plans changedWe’ve tuned in (😉) this year and realized we’ve been living the standard American life but prefer a more unconventional one- hence the getting intentional and living life without shoulds (like a talk about here.)As I processed the internal conflict I share in this episode over the course of two days, toggling between our adventurous van life trip and comfortable hotel stays, I was reminded that maintaining my minimalist lifestyle also includes: decluttering my old narratives.Somewhere along the way, those stories had stopped being guiding values…and had started becoming rules…. Rigid ones. Heavy ones.Minimalism isn’t just about owning fewer things.It’s about releasing the beliefs that weigh down your life just as much as clutter does.The truth is… choosing the aligned thing *in that moment*… that’s the definition of a minimalist lifestyle. Of one filled with what matters most to you.It’s not about rejecting one idea over another.It’s about staying honest about what actually supports the life we’re building.So I wanted to share this aha with you* how I’m maintaining my minimalism in regards to our lifestyle* And a few prompts that helped me identify the narratives that needed to be decluttered.You’ll find those inside↓Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us inside the paid tier to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Click here for the journal prompts

See the pictures + Comment HereLately, I’ve been obsessing a little bit a lot a bit over tricked-out ‘Sprinter’ van conversions.Like I mentioned in my recent decluttering post- we love traveling + how it supports our minimalism practice…. plus worldschooling is our preferred way of learning.So we decided to try on the van life concept (for travel- not full-time living) by booking a camper van that we’ll travel around sunny Florida in for Sophia’s birthday.So I thought it’d be fun to share my latest obsession with you- van designs:Mentioned- The Sandy by Jorvik Van Conversions- Crozier Campers- pop top like we’ll be trying in FloridaYour turn! What have you been obsessing over lately?😍 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comView the Pictures + Join the Conversation HereEvery time we travel… I come home and am ready to halve our possessions. And that’s exactly what happened when we got back from our recent trip to Gatlinburg.Isn’t it funny how quickly our perspective can shift from a few days away?I often purge unnecessary items when I’m feeling overwhelmed. (You know that frantic…. That’s it! I can’t clean these walkie talkies and 20 pairs of kids socks up again! It’s gone!)…. That’s how our “If it’s on the ground it’s out of town” phrase was born🤣So I was surprised when we unpacked from our trip that I naturally started piling items up to donate.And then I thought about how much sense that made. The contrast between living out of a backpack and having the best time and then coming home to a house full of things that need me- makes for the perfect intentional motivation to clear things up.So I thought it’d be fun to share this new habit + everything I’m letting go of- post our recent trip- the perfect way to kick off my Staying Minimal Series!Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Join the Staying Minimal Series Here

Join the conversation hereWhat does creating on Substack as a Worldschooling Mom of 2 really look like?THIS: https://youtu.be/MhaSXaIooVw?si=nuCItREfYUGfsDaLFreedom:* To create what I want* Where I want* At the pace I wantSubstack sees the writing, videography, audio, community…. whatever you’re creating as what’s important.Supporting:* The nuance* The slowness* The conversation* The resonance»Not content for marketing sake but creation for impact’s sake. «So now… I have the freedom to create what I want.* Some days it’s writing + audio* Others its more video focusedBut most importantly: it’s at the pace I want.It looks like: A slow practice that builds… one piece at a time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

Read, Join or Comment HereIn this month’s issue of the Tuning In Magazine (← print option now available✨) I announced our next Deeper Discussion series: Staying Miniman- How I'm Maintaining a Life with LessMy family has been living minimally for a while now. But as we’ve increased our travel- we’ve found ourselves overwhelmed by all we have once we get home. It’s made us crave a deepening in our practice.The thing is there’s not a lot about maintaining a lifestyle of less- just plenty of conversations about becoming a minimalist. Which is why I want to bridge the gap.If you’re thinking “I have no interest in living in a blank white room or getting rid of everything I own”- Good news! That’s not what I’ve found minimalism to be.👍🏻Minimalism has actually given me more.* More of what I crave.* And less of what I don’t truly want.As life shifts, seasons change, my kids grow and new hobbies and adventures come and go- minimalism has kept me intentional and aligned. Helping me become aware of how I’m filling my space and stewarding my money and time. It’s helped me create room in our home, my mind, our calendar and our bank account for what we truly want- instead of what we think we ‘should have.’It’s helped me answer the question: If I went through everything I currently own- would I choose that over the life I envision?So when it comes to this gap in the Minimalism conversation…I want to explore how I can challenge myself to stay minimal as a way to reach our dream life… today.That’s why I’m challenging myself to go deeper in my minimalism practice (and am inviting you to, too)Seeing what happens when I answer really hard and confronting questions around:* Financial Minimalism* Possessions Minimalism* Parenting Minimalism* Lifestyle Minimalism* Creative Minimalism* Time MinimalismMy goal is to unlock… less overwhelm and stress → in favor of more space and joy.Want to join me inside this new series?↓Join us here to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comGrab the Cards HereAt the beginning of the summer I felt myself craving simplicity.And it reminded me of mini audio summits I’d created years ago titled: Simplify My _________. So I challenged myself to do that again- this time with the broad idea to “Simplify My Life.” And I brought you along with me.I called it the Summer Simplicity Challenge… And over the last 3 months- these prompts have given me clarity and relief in those frantic moments.But it wasn't until the season’s change that I decided to make this guide evergreen and realized how impactful these questions are… on a day-to-day basis.So I hopped into Canva + brought these prompts together into Your Daily Journal Cards for Intentional LivingRe-reviewing these questions gave me a mini-reset so I found a way to easily access them every day.I made these cards, printed them out double-sided and laminated them so I can look at them like affirmations everyday. I wanted to share that with you too!I hope you’ve enjoyed this series turned guide and can’t wait to start my next one: Maintaining My MinimalismFor access to these journal prompts, community + more… Join us inside ↓The Intentional Reset Guide✨ is a collection of journal prompts that invite you to pause, reflect and take aligned steps toward a slower, more intentional life within a community of women craving more ease, presence, and intentionality- just like you.Join our community and receive access to this series of audio journal entries, thoughtful prompts, and gentle conversation starters as we declutter and simplify our worlds together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead or Comment HereI haven't given my garden much attention this year.The pipe for the backyard hose burst this winter so to water it I had to fill a watering can 5+ times….. instead I often opted for the rain + Mother Nature to take care of it.Last year, tending to my garden became a daily form of meditation. It was an exciting new practice for me.And it felt simple, formulaic + basically guaranteed. All in all- my biggest takeaway when gardening last year was “This is magic! Can my creative work be simple and straightforward like this too??”I knew I wanted to keep gardening but this year we had other things going on.So while I did “plant the garden in a place with great sunlight” I didn’t often water it, protect it from pests- meaning not much was harvested.It just wasn’t my top priority- instead we were focusing on house stuff, unschooling the kids, learning how to support their emotional intelligence and big feelings and in the breaks- creating what feels good to me.Which brings me to my creative work….I'm not making space for my creative work everyday- or as often as I could probably create. I’m happy with my flow- that I’m not pressuring myself to create based on an arbitrary/societal schedule. And although I’m not creating in an urgent and uber frequent cadence- my creations are connecting with others (especially through passive systems- thank you Youtube + SEO!)…. And yet I feel like I have a lot in me that I want to create. (More growth I could get out of this season’s crops if you will.)So I found myself asking: Can my creative practice still grow when I don’t 'water it' often?Let’s talk this out in this episode...Journal prompts if you’re transitioning from a ‘watering less often’ season into a ‘watering more frequently’ one.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comWatch the Videos + Comment HereView all the journal prompts inside The Intentional Reset Guide hereBack in May my friend and I decided to challenge each other to create one thing a day for a week.* Only for us.* Only based on that day.* No pressure.* Just create it and share it with each other.I had felt this nudge for a while to take all of the videos I accumulated in a day and compile them into one so I had something to look back on.Because I’ve asked myself (on many occasions)…* What did I even do with the kids when they were X years old?* What did a day in our life look like?* Was I even there? Present? How did I show up?(Plus I’m always video dumping on my family each day and thought what if I gave them something fun that shows what we did?)So during this challenge, I rounded up the videos I had taken > found a template on Capcut with music that fit the vibe of the day > dropped them in and > (at first) enjoyed them just for myself.This simple challenge has become a relaxing gratitude practice not just throughout my day but at night too when I put the videos together as Sophia falls asleep next to me. It’s helped me find peace, awareness and presence in my days.…. Not to mention it’s a lot of fun.It’s helped me simplify my days- seeing what matters vs. the shoulds. Taking the videos only for myself- not for likes, applause or anyone else.So I thought you might want to create your own practice too↓The Intentional Reset Guide✨ is a collection of journal prompts that invite you to pause, reflect and take aligned steps toward a slower, more intentional life within a community of women craving more ease, presence, and intentionality- just like you.Join our community and receive access to this series of audio journal entries, thoughtful prompts, and gentle conversation starters as we declutter and simplify our worlds together.If you’d like to experiment with noticing your own life this way, here are the questions I’ve been reflecting on…