Simply Put

 

Would you say that you live a simple life? 

What does that even mean? A Google search led me to this definition from livingvalues.net (loosely quoted): Appreciating the small things; freedom from material and emotional desires. Permission to “just be.” Simplicity avoids waste, teaches economy, avoids value clashes complicated by greed, fear, peer pressure, and a false sense of identity. I also found, keeping things uncomplicated; less is more; easily understood. 

I found these tips, but I did not write down the source and cannot find it again, but they are good, so I must share and expound (and these principles are biblical!):

Make room for stillness. There’s a funny meme about a man sitting in a coffee shop just drinking coffee and nothing else. Not looking at his phone or laptop or even reading a book. “Like a psychopath,” the meme stated. I think of that often. Why do I find it so hard to just sit still, breathe, and enjoy a cup of coffee or the sun on my face? I cannot hear God’s voice if I do not embrace stillness. It takes discipline, doesn’t it?

Declutter. Too much stuff makes life hard to manage. You are constantly shifting things around and cleaning is difficult. I knew this man and woman who bought a cabin envisioning all the fun they would have as a family. They finally sold it, because it was not worth all the time they spent mowing the grass, cleaning it, and fixing things. The more you have, the more you have to manage. If you struggle with this, I recommend the book, “Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-ending Battle with Stuff,” by Dana K. White. It is different from any organizing book I have ever read. Ms. White knew the struggle and wrote this book from a messy’s point of view.

Cultivate contentment and strive to have financial margin. Some people chafe against having a budget, but living on a budget is free-ing. The burden of debt and living paycheck-to-paycheck is heavy and exhausting. In a nutshell, it means knowing the difference between wants and needs, having an emergency fund, cutting excess spending, giving as God commands, and spending only what you earn. Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace” has helped us tremendously. (Thanks to the Swanns.)

Allow others to help. We all need help sometimes, and we must set aside our pride and accept it. We steal other people’s blessings when we do not allow them to help us. We wear ourselves out for no reason!

Have margin in your schedule. As a society, we are overcommitted. Identify your priorities and say no to extra things. We cannot adequately rest when our schedules are too full. It’s hard to say no to good things, isn’t it? But we must do that sometimes. We trade the good for the better.

Limit social media. Is that in the Bible? Well, the Bible says to “think on these things,” and much of what we see on social media is not good and is designed to divide and anger people. So…

Be thankful. Try not to complain or covet or compare. Look for the everyday blessings. We have many.

Have I mastered all of these things? Of course not, but it is something for which to strive because of all the benefits. Here are 15 benefits (American Behavioral Clinics website) of choosing to live a quiet life that deliberately chooses to minimize noise and distractions.

Less stress

Deeper reflection

Better health

Enhanced creativity

Stronger relationships

Financial freedom

Improved concentration

Appreciation for nature and beauty

Reduced environmental impact

Contentment/ peace/ happiness

Time for hobbies

Mindful living

Less clutter

Freedom to choose what matters

Resilience: strength in simplicity and adaptability

Simply put, a life of simplicity is simply better. And it’s simple, right? Carry on!

 

joyce hague