Sometimes we tend to think we need more things in our lives to keep us sane and happy. We believe we should always treat ourselves to a new bag, food, or tumbler but sometimes that can worsen it. I’ve heard so many people who worked in high-level positions who eventually left to have a more simplified life. I began to wonder why that is and if would make me feel better. I have been feeling more overwhelmed lately and could that help me in my spiritual journey?
What Is A Simple Life
What comes to mind when you think about simple living? Is it a bare apartment with nothing but only the essentials in it? Or maybe it’s living out amongst nature where you only eat what you can grow and spend the day tending to your farm and reading books. I know that’s something that I would love. In all honesty, it’s all about you, and whatever a simple life looks like to you. This could be living off the grid and tending to your garden or living in the city and going out with friends. It’s whatever you want it to be as long as you find it simple and manageable.
What Isn’t A Simple Life
There are a few simple life misconceptions that I would like to tell you before we continue. Here’s what a simple life is not.
Be Minimalistic
A simple life does not mean you have to give up all your possessions. You don’t have to live in a small cot in the middle of nowhere. You only have to simplify your life to what you need, not give it all up to find joy. Like Marie Kondo once said, “Does it spark joy?” If it makes you happy to have then keep it, don’t complicate it.
Soft And Boring
A simple life for some might be waking up at the crack of dawn and going to bed by 6 pm. But that is not the life that would be simple and easy for a lot of people and that’s fine. You don’t have to cut out everything, and you’re more than welcome to still do things you like as long as you’re still happy and not stressed out, you’re doing great.
Staying At Home Or Having A Farm
You do not have to be a homebody to be simple, sometimes it’s boring in the house. So you’re more than welcome to go out and live your life how you see fit, remember there are no rules to this outside of making it easier and less stressful for you. That’s the goal.
What Is A Simple Life
Now let’s get into what a simple life is. I know we all have our preconceived notions of what it looks like and that’s good, it gives you a base of what your simple life should look like. Let’s dive in.
Be Present In The Moment
We live in a world where everything is pulling us in different directions and we often don’t live in the moment. Living a simple life will free you from multiple distractions and relieve the pressure of being everywhere at all times and have you just be in the moment. A good practice of living in the moment is putting down the phone. This can be while you’re waiting for food/eating, taking a walk, or watching TV. Be completely emerised in the activity even if it’s just the mundane!
Define The Life You Want
This can be a little loaded but as I’ve mentioned in my previous posts, this is your life you can do with it what you please. I know it’s easier said than done but it’s something that you are able to do. Take some of that pressure of people pleasing and fitting in off your plate and allow yourself to just live a life that makes you happy by making your own rules. If you don’t want a corporate job don’t get what. The same goes if you don’t want kids or the white picket fence. You can define what you want your life to be it’s a beautiful thing when you let go of societal rules and allow yourself to define who you are.
Remove Material Tie Downs
I know I said you don’t have to be minimalistic in order to live simply, and you don’t. However, tossing things that don’t serve you can be beneficial. I recently cleaned out my closet of clothing I don’t wear, or like anymore. I did this because, in the morning when I try to pick out my outfits, I’m overwhelmed by choices and reminded how there are certain clothes that I don’t like and feel as if I need more when in all actually I have plenty. I just need to simplify my options. If you feel overwhelmed by the clutter in your home or clear it out. Take inventory of your possessions and see what you need and makes you happy and toss the items that you don’t want or frustrate you. You can always donate them to a charity in need so they don’t end up in a landfill, here are some places you can donate to.
Find Things For What You Love and Don’t Worry About Being Cool
Find the love in your life again. We get so caught up in the “rat race” of life and maintaining an image that we forget about actually allowing ourselves to enjoy life. It’s ok to be cringe and exude joy and laughter. Dance, sing, make corny jokes, and laugh at yourself. Bask in the sunshine and remember we only go around once don’t spend it worrying about the opinions of others, everyone has them and none of them affect how you live.
Practice Gratitude
Being grateful is one of the best things that you can be in the world. It inspires joy in your life and gives you such inner peace that you can’t imagine. Gratitude is the practice of being thankful for what you have showing appreciation and returning kindness extended to you. Life is short, be thankful for the life you’ve been given and know that at any moment you are capable of changing it if you like. Be kind to those who live among us, there’s already enough ugly in the world, no need to add to it.
Living a simple life is not a one size fits all thing, it looks different to everyone and will work for some and not others. Remember this is a journey, not a destination. I thank you so much for being a part of mine.
