As someone who lives with fibromyalgia, I often feel like my life runs at two speeds—too fast when my calendar is packed, and too slow when a flare forces me to stop. That’s why Matthew Kelly’s Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy spoke to me on such a deep level. It’s not just a book about doing less; it’s a guide to reclaiming peace, rest, and happiness in a world that constantly tells us to do more, be more, and hurry up.
Kelly reminds us that joy is not something we stumble upon by accident—it’s something we create by being intentional about how we spend our time and energy. His words felt like permission to live at a pace that works for my body and my heart.
Why This Book Resonates
One of the most comforting parts of this book is Kelly’s honesty about his own struggles with overcommitment and rushing through life. I could see myself in his story—the busy schedules, the constant push to keep going, and the nagging feeling that I was missing something more meaningful.
For those of us living with chronic illness, slowing down isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential. This book validates that truth and shows how living with margin and building in intentional rest can actually lead to greater joy, not less accomplishment. Kelly’s tips—like carving out space for quiet, embracing rest days without guilt, and focusing on what matters most—are especially helpful for anyone who feels stretched too thin.
Reflections for Fibro Warriors
I loved Kelly’s reminder that slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. Instead, it means living more fully and aligning our choices with what truly matters. For fibro warriors, that might look like saying no to commitments that drain us, planning rest days without guilt, and choosing to be fully present for the small, joyful moments that we can easily overlook when we’re rushing.
His gentle encouragement felt like an invitation to stop fighting my body and start working with it. That shift alone can bring so much peace.
Takeaways I’m Carrying Forward
- My worth is not measured by how much I get done.
- Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for health and joy.
- Slowing down can actually make life richer and more meaningful.
- Joy is found in the present moment, not in a future where I’ve finally “caught up.”
Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy is more than a book—it’s a gentle, encouraging companion for anyone who feels exhausted by the pace of life. It reminded me that I don’t need to feel guilty about living slower. In fact, slowing down might be the most life-giving choice I can make for my health and happiness.
I would recommend this book to anyone living with fibromyalgia, chronic illness, or simply a too-busy schedule. It’s a warm, hope-filled read that offers practical tools and a compassionate reminder: life is meant to be lived with joy, not just endured.
Hi Sandra!
Thank you for visiting our blog and leaving a comment.
My heart goes out to you! I know first hand how this is. And it’s hard to convince others that we need to slow down and just do something for ourselves in order to restore our energy and hopefully relax.
I have learned with myself that, as I assert myself, it becomes easier not only for myself for those around me. After a while, my family started to expect me to take some much needed time for myself after an outing or trip. They knew that I’d be in a flare and had to take a few days to rest. The hard truth is that we have to teach others how to treat us by how we show up for ourselves and assert our needs. It can be so difficult because asserting ourselves also takes energy. But believe me when I say that unless we do so no one will do it for us and we’ll continue to feel frustrated and overwhelmed.
Let me know how things go and if you need support, I am also here to help. Just email me at soniairoth@gmail.com.
Sending hugs,
Irene
I can accept this concept but my spouse and friends cannot. They all say I need to walk or exercise more when I say I hurt too much today and they do not understand why I do not clean house and bake as often as I used to or as they think I should.