Simplicity

Have you been craving a simpler way of life? Does it feel like things have gotten too complicated? If so, you are like many people right now that are feeling the need to simplify their life. When life gets complicated, we are pulled in a lot of directions. Things take longer to do. Require more time and energy. Things that seem more efficient may require more in the long run. You might be overscheduled. Have too many physical things in your home. You might have a lot of people to take care of or require your time. You might feel obligated to help, solve or fix issues for yourself and others. All these things make life more complicated than it needs to be. And that is when you can feel overwhelmed mentally, physically and spiritually. So how can you start simplifying your life? How can you become more aware of what is complicating your reality?

You’re not crazy, things have gotten more complicated. So, if you are craving simplicity here might be why. Frist everything needs a password, app, online code, subscription, wireless connection, streaming service, smart device, software update, new cable, new authentication, pin number, loyalty card, and shall I go on? That’s just on the technology side. Think about how many ways there are to pay for things now. Not just cash, check or credit card. Now how many different payment apps are there? You’re at work and must learn how many kinds of software systems? Your child’s school needs you to have how many ways to receive and send communication? You need to use a healthcare app to communicate with your doctor’s assistant. And now to add even more to complicate your life there is AI.

If you just read that and feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Even advancements in technology seem to complicate our lives more. We are now more accessible to each other. Available at any hour of the day. And texting someone at 11:00pm or 6:00am seems socially acceptable to a lot of people. But it’s not ok. People have lost simplicity in their lives. They have been taught to get the latest things, upgrade, learn something new that should improve their life. And that comes with a cost. You may need to invest time and energy. And there is normally a financial cost for these upgrades. Earn more so you can buy more. I mean really how many small appliances does one kitchen need? We have lost simplicity in our lives. That is why having a few hours to yourself can feel like a luxury. Traveling somewhere where the cell service isn’t so good can be a relief. Being unavailable can be the best gift ever.

How can you start to simplify your life? Is it focusing on things that take up your time and energy? Is it eliminating things that are wasting your money? Is it giving your energy to people that do not respect it? What do you really need to feel happy and fulfilled? What is most important to you? Is it time, health, happiness? Instead of just going with what you have done, or what society tells you to do, can you decide what is best for yourself. Slow down and get more awareness of what is no longer needed in your life. Get rid of physical things in your home that you no longer use. Limit what you purchase in the future or notice why you feel you need to purchase it. Cut back on over giving to others.  Put up boundaries with people that do not respect you.

Simplicity can be one of the healthiest things you can ever do for yourself. Instead of being on the phone, trying to do three things at once or constantly rushing try and slow down. Be more present in your life. Who are you with? Enjoy the time and conversations. Make wonderful memories. Start to make simplicity a priority in your life. Instead of needing the biggest and the best, maybe focus on what you really want and need. You don’t need a trip overseas to create the best memories. Start by exploring your own city. Reduce what you post or read on social media. Most people overhype what their lives are actually like or create a false reality so try not to compare. What is more important to you outside or internal validation? Start doing things for you. Not for what others might think or judge.

Be aware of what you start to notice you want to simplify in your life. Then make the changes that are needed. It can be small or big things. There is no right or wrong. Just decide what feels good for you and what you can change. Small changes add up over time. So, trust what you are doing is helping. Then watch how your life, health and well-being start to change for the better. Choose more simplicity in your life.