Less
Simplicity and minimalism have made a resurgence over the past several years.
A search done on the web using those two words will bring up a colorful collection of writers and resources to help you reshape and refocus toward living a life of less.
Many advocate downsizing to fewer clothing items, less square feet of living space and buying only local produce. We are encouraged to declutter and decorate with clean lines and tidy baskets neatly labeled with contents tucked inside.
Some have chosen to live from a suitcase and travel the world experiencing all of the smells, sites, and culture they can gather.
Others have embraced the tiny house movement with room for only the barest of possessions.
What does it mean to live with less?
If you are like me, a recovering perfectionist, you want to do it “right” but struggle to find your way.
The choice to bring less into our lives opens the door to having more; more experiences, margin, creativity, and greater peace. You will have space for richer relationships and the possibility for greater impact in your area of influence.
At the heart of this lifestyle is a longing to live in such a way where our lives count for something. The over-accumulation of material goods leaves us empty. We have large homes, but empty hearts. Our calendars are full, but our souls are parched. We have “friends” on social media, but no time for a real live coffee date with someone. Deep in our hearts, we know we were created for more than this.
Simplicity & living a lifestyle of less requires change.
If we want to live differently, we must choose a different path. As I have made deliberate choices to focus more on what feeds my soul and creates a margin for more of what matters most, I am inspired by a beautiful poem written by Portia Nelson.
“There’s a Hole In My Sidewalk”
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost… I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes me a long time to get out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in. It’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault. I get out immediately.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
I walk down another street.
Whether you are new to this way of living or are ready to embrace intentional living at a deeper level, there is no better time than today to begin. Each journey begins with a single step. Some bring greater impact, but all matter.
” A journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step.”
Some steps of your process might be downright uncomfortable, but I can attest, that which remains will be fuller, richer and more life-giving!
“I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He lops off every branch that doesn’t produce. And he prunes those branches that bear fruit for even larger crops.
John 15:1-2 (TLB)
- What does simplicity mean to you?
- What emotions bubble up when you consider living with less?
- What step can you take today to create more margin in your life?
- How will it look to live with less for you and your family?
I would love to hear about your simplicity journey…the good, the messy and the glorious!
Thank you for spending part of your day here! Please share this post amongst your circle of humans. Connecting with you is a privilege. If you have not yet subscribed for future post updates, let’s be friends and stay in touch. Please make your way to the all-important sidebar and do just that!
Blessings,
