It seems almost every day I hear people yearning for a simpler time, when life was slower and people talked nice to each other. I grew up that way, and it is indeed a lovely way to live. I also raised my kids that way, most of their lives.
I am a big advocate of, if you don’t like your life, change it; if you can’t change it right now change how you look at it. Simplification is an ongoing process in a healthy life, it won’t happen overnight, and it will complicate itself thoroughly again without constant watchfulness.
The first thing to do is turn things off. Turn off the TV, the radio, the computer, the cell phone. If you live in an area where all you hear is traffic and sirens play some white noise, hearing the sounds of nature is much more soothing. Breathe deeply, repeat as often as needed, I think an hour a day (when awake!) is a good start. Talk to your family, talk to God or your higher power, talk to yourself, and really listen.
Have a yard sale, or better yet, donate to a local shelter. If you have so many clothes you need another closet, get rid of some! Where are you going that 40 pairs of jeans are necessary? Clean out your junk drawer, or all of them. If you have too many appliances, why are you saving ones you don’t use? If you can’t remember the last time you used your waffle maker, get rid of it, it’s taking up space and cluttering your life. Someone else would love to have it. If you have grown children, give them some things to start their lives, dishes, pots, pans, flatware, glassware, etc. When my son recently moved I gave him wall decorations that were special to both of us, bedding, and furniture, he has not taken enough stuff yet.
I lost everything in a fire once, then in a bad breakup, then a basement flood, I find it very cleansing to start over. There are a few items I mourned the loss of, my parents record collection, my high school yearbooks, Christmas ornaments, that kind of thing, but it is all just stuff, and stuff can be replaced.
I have lived here for two years and I am stunned by how much stuff I have accumulated. I would be happy to move with my clothes and my books and pictures, I am working on it. I have a bike in my garage that my son was fixing, I intend to donate that to someone who wants to finish fixing it. I also have a broken washing machine, I am donating that to a local repair shop so that they can fix it and sell it to someone who needs it for less.
If you are busy 24/7 the only person who can stop that is you. Stop saying yes. Stop working 14 hours a day. Activities are nice, but not to the point that you can no longer focus on what matters. Free up time to take a walk, to sit and enjoy a sunset, to make cookies or homemade pizza with friends, kids, nieces and nephews, whoever, enjoy your life a little. Call an elderly relative who would love to hear from you, call an old friend that you have not made time for in a while.
The thing is, you are going to be on this planet for a set number of days, the only control you have is what to fill those days with while you are here. Would you prefer days of running around with both ends of the candle lit and flames heading for the middle? I prefer days of light, love, laughter, and joy. Doing something for someone else is never a drain on your energy, it is a gift of love to that person and gives you more energy, remember that when you plan your days. And leave some time unplanned, turn everything off, and enjoy being alive and all the beauty around you.
About the author:
MamaSteph has 2 kids by birth and several by love, she is a nurse and enjoys finding healthier ways to make comfort foods, gardening, enjoying nature, and living life to the fullest…For a list of her blogs please click here.
