What If Slowing Down Is the Most Productive Thing You’ll Ever Do?

What if the key to getting more out of life isn’t doing more — it’s slowing down?
In this inspiring episode of Spark Me, Michele and Liz sit down with Kris Holmes, a woman whose life has been defined by love, resilience, and gratitude. From becoming a mom at 18 to building a thriving career and rediscovering herself through yoga and sound healing, Kris shares what happens when you stop saying yes to everything and start saying yes to yourself.
Kris reminds us that even the busiest women can learn to tune out the noise and tune in to themselves. Her story of young love, lifelong partnership, community, and spiritual grounding will leave you exhaling with both gratitude and hope.
If you’ve been running on empty, this episode will remind you how to exhale, recalibrate, and find joy again — without changing a single external thing.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
- How slowing down can actually make you more effective, peaceful, and fulfilled
- Why saying yes less — especially in volunteering and community roles — can lead to greater impact and deeper connection
- Why gratitude is a form of power — not passivity
- The power of community: how gathering, giving, and supporting others can spark joy and purpose in every stage of life
- How Kris transformed burnout into balance (and found a new calling in the process)
- Simple mindset shifts to help you reclaim your time and energy
- The secret to sustaining love, career, and self without losing yourself in the process
Resources & Mentions:
- Book: Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach — a beautiful daily guide to cultivating gratitude and joy in everyday life.
- Practice: Yoga and sound bowl therapy — the tools Kris uses to help others (and herself) reconnect to calm and clarity.
- Organization: St. Joseph’s Center — a local nonprofit close to Kris’s heart, serving children and adults with developmental needs.
- Inspiration: The Science of Sound Healing — explore how sound frequencies can reduce stress and promote well-being.
- Quote to Live By: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Melody Beattie
Join the Spark Me Community:
If this episode lit something in you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder to slow down and breathe. Follow @sparkmepodcast on Instagram and join our community of women rediscovering joy, purpose, and connection — one spark at a time.