7 Benefits of Living With Less; Secrets of Simplicity
Choosing simplicity as a theme for your life is not a one time proposition. There is no magic bullet or miracle cure. Like any change, it takes time for it to become second nature. Before you can make a big, life-changing leap, you need to build your strength and self-confidence. Give yourself permission to really pat yourself on your back for the bushel of things you know how to do.
We focus more on what we can’t do, what is wrong, and what we need to improve on, and not near enough on what is good. What do you do well? What do you like about you? It doesn’t have to rattle the ends of the earth with its greatness.. but rather, when you pause, stop and ponder.. what is good for you? Give yourself some credit and a high-five for talents big and small. Can you whistle with a piece of grass? Do you know how to change a tire? Do you make killer pancakes? Can you rope a calf? Sing a song? Read an Excel spreadsheet? Can you mend socks? Parallel park? Record 10 things you know how to do!
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8
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The first time I did this exercise.. it felt a little odd, awkward and slightly weird. It would have been much easier to list things I did not think I was good at. It seems in retrospect, I am much better at looking for my faults than celebrating me. After you finish, sit back and savor those 10 things like a piece of hard candy tucked into the side of your mouth. No rushing…just consider the quirky goodness that makes you who you are.
We spend so much of our days comparing ourselves to others, allowing the media to shout into the privacy of our living room each evening and looking at grass we perceive as greener on the other side of our neighbor’s fence, we forget to see the goodness in what we have and where we are. The choice to live a better life with less is not only about less “stuff”. Instead, we trade the clutter of our lives for one rich in relationships, significance, and value.
Seven benefits of a life with less –
- less stress
- less debt
- richer friendships
- more creativity
- a deeper spiritual commitment
- more fulfillment
- greater freedom
Challenge for today… Consider the possibility of a life lived focusing on what matters most. What would it feel like to have less stress, richer friendships, a stronger faith or more freedom? Imagine you are 75 years old. Write a letter to yourself from the perspective of a 75-year-old you. No other rules, it can be long or short. Typed or handwritten, pen or pencil you choose. Just write.Use a few of the prompts below to prime your pump and get you started.
- What matters to you?
- What have you done?
- What do you see?
- What did your life stand for?
- What would you tell yourself today as a 75-year-old man or woman?
- What did you do to earn a living?
- What was your family like?
- Did you travel?
- Where did you live?
Good job. Is it time for coffee? Whew. Share in the comments your thoughts about our journey so far. Was writing the letter hard or easy? How did that make you feel? Did any of the words 75-year-old you wrote take you by surprise?
If there are areas of moving towards a less complicated life you would like to see explored, please leave in the comments as well.
Blessings friends- thanks for stopping by!
Well, I just finished both assignments. Loved the assignments, first of all. The letter to myself from my 75 year old self was interesting. I have to say for the most part it was positive. I accomplished some things that I am hoping to accomplish. I enjoyed life more than I do now. I liked looking forward. Thanks Nancy, because the pull to the past is so strong and what it does is prevent me from living in the now. Looking to the future made me aware of my present.
As far as the ten things I can do. I think I’m a little more comfortable with that then I would have been a while back. Probably writing out my weaknesses would have come even easier, but even that’s okay as God uses those weaknesses to showcase who HE is. The more weaknesses, the more opportunities to reflect what He’s done.
St. Paul’s words in II Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”
Katina-
Words of great significance and value. Beautiful.
Easy to write. I know with crystal clarity that when I’m 75 I must look back at the past 20 years and say, “Kinsey, You loved well. You were a servant. You gave up your life for Christ sake. You told God’s Story.” That’s it. Everything else is secondary.
Love. Lose. Serve. Tell God’s Story. I think I’m going to design some wall art with these words for my office.
Kinsey- Love IT.. and the thought of wall art to remind you daily of who you are and what you stand for! Woot
Blessings- Nanxy
Love it!!!!!!!
Haven’t taken the time to write the letter yet, but did list the ten things I’m good at. It WAS awkward because things I think I’m good at seem small and I think everyone is good at them. But then I remembered not everyone is good at, or likes to type. Not everyone can use Microsoft Office, let alone proficiently. It’s really amazing how God gives us unique gifts and abilities so we can help each other! Thanks for making us think, Nanc!
Kathy- Glad I wasnt the only one feeling awkward (it’s always more fun together!) .. you are indeed gifted, talented and full of Jesus in all you do.
Blessings !!