The path to a simple life is not always so simple. Mine is filled with distractions and detours that oftentimes take me off course.
For me, a simple life means an easier life—joyous and less complicated—with less house to maintain . . . less clutter . . . fewer bills to pay . . . no pressing appointments or meetings . . . less rushing around to get things done . . . more peace of mind . . . and more time to do the things that matter most.
This is my vision. You might not agree with yours. Things in your life might be exactly as you want them, and you might not even feel a need to simplify. Simplicity has to make sense and fit each individual’s personality, life situation, and dreams for the future. Everyone is different, and the path a person takes (or chooses not to take) depends entirely on what that person wants.
I started by asking myself the following questions:
- Do you want to clear up the clutter in your home?
- Do you want to remove non-essential tasks, obligations, and projects you find overwhelming?
- Do you want to make time for the people you love and those things you love to do?
- Do you want to reduce stress and simply live a more peaceful life?
My answer was yes yes yes YES. Tom and I have so much stuff in our home and so much going on in our lives, I oftentimes feel overwhelmed. We have a good life, but if we were to eliminate the things that are not necessary—the visual and emotional clutter—life would be heavenly. We need to simplify so we can focus on what’s important.
How to simplify
Start small . . . tackle an area that will have the biggest impact.
In our case, Tom and I determined a home was essential. We rejected the idea of buying a McMansion and chose, instead, to downsize to a smaller, more manageable house. It was a good move. The next step is to purge, let go of the unnecessary material items that clutter our home. It’s an ongoing process, but doable.
I’m taking the path one step at a time, taking each day as it comes, and seeing where it leads. This past weekend I sorted through the paperwork on my desk—a small step for man . . . a world of improvement for me.