In our fast-paced digital world, it can be difficult or even sometimes counter-intuitive to think about slow living. We want to keep pace with everything and stay ahead. But how do we balance this with our desire to be at peace with ourselves and our lives? In this episode, Aileen and Paola talk about the importance of slowing down, being aware of how you perceive yourself, and how you can create your inner peace on your own terms. 

Paola Merrill is a Puerto Rican American writer, artist, and the creator of the youtube channel TheCottageFairy. She creates meditative short films focused on slow living and bringing awareness to the beauty of wild lands.

1:50 Growing up and what led to slow living
12:18 How Paola’s Youtube channel The Cottage Fairy grew
15:31 How Paola’s love of fairytales influenced her art and life
19:50 Changing location can help change your mindset
22:32 Being aware of how you perceive yourself
24:14 Paola’s dream life growing up
27:08 Being your own safe space
31:03 The invisible journey to find your courage
35:10 The story of when Paola worked at a bookstore
36:03 How Paola’s book was written
40:55 The importance of taking care of yourself and slowing down 
44:23 Being peaceful and mindful as a business owner and content creator

🎙️Complete show notes for this episode here

📹The video version of this interview is available on YouTube: Episode 239