How You Can Design Your Own Soft Life: Tips on Setting Boundaries, Pursuing Your Passions, and Embracing Slow Living

If there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that no one is going to hand you your dream life — you have to intentionally create it. For me, that dream life is what I call a soft life: a life filled with peace, purpose, and personal freedom.

But getting here hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to unlearn the mindset of hustle culture. I’ve had to recover from burnout. I’ve had to grow through financial struggles, motherhood challenges, and self-doubt. And through it all, I’ve been learning how to design a life that actually feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good from the outside.

If you’re like me — tired of struggling, craving more calm, and ready to start living on your own terms — here are a few gentle tips that have helped me, and might help you too.

1. Set Boundaries Without Guilt

One of the most powerful things I’ve done is learn to say no — and mean it. Whether it’s with work, family, or even social expectations, I had to stop overextending myself just to please others.

A soft life begins with protecting your peace. That might mean:
– Saying no to last-minute favours when you’re tired
– Turning off notifications when you need to focus or rest
– Creating work hours and sticking to them
– Choosing your own pace, even when others don’t understand

Boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re a form of self-respect — and a necessary part of living softly.

2. Pursue Your Passions — Even If It’s Just a Little at a Time

Another important part of my soft life is doing work that lights me up. Whether it's blogging, creating content, managing social media for good causes, or building my handmade brand, I’ve realized that passion and purpose can go hand-in-hand with peace.

You don’t have to wait for “the right time” to start. Just begin where you are:
– Share your thoughts online
– Write that blog post
– Make that product
– Talk about your interests
– Learn a new skill

Even if it's slow, even if it's imperfect, do it with love. Your passion deserves space in your life — not just in your dreams.

3. Embrace Slow Living — On Your Terms

Living slowly doesn’t mean being lazy or giving up. It means choosing what matters most, and letting go of the rush to “keep up” with everyone else.

For me, slow living looks like:
– Creating a morning routine that grounds me
– Resting when I need to, not just when I crash
– Taking time to eat, breathe, pray, journal, or simply be
– Making space in my day for things I love (like plants, tea, soft music, or playing with my kids)

You don’t have to do everything to feel fulfilled. Sometimes, less is more. And sometimes peace is found in the moments we usually overlook.

Designing a soft life isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about asking yourself:
– What do I need to feel calm and whole?
– What do I need to remove from my life to feel more aligned?
– How can I show up for myself today?

It’s okay if it takes time. It’s okay if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s version. What matters is that it feels right for you.

You’re allowed to choose ease. You’re allowed to grow slowly. And you’re allowed to live softly, no matter where you’re starting from.