Top 5 reasons I’m choosing a simplified life
“We are never ever ever getting back together”
In the wise words of Ms. Swift, I’m going through a break up of sorts. I’m calling it quits with what is consuming my time and attention, keeping me from pursuing my goals and dreams, growing insecurities and mental unhealth, and majorly lacking hospitality! Goodbye forever, clutter!
This is the same cluttered stuff that keeps this new mom constantly feeling behind and overwhelmed. I’ve always desired for our home to be a hub for community and comfort, but the recent addition of our sweet son has stalled our ability to keep it tidy and hospitable.
After reading countless articles to many podcasts and delving head-first into the world of minimalist moms, I was sold. The methodology is people-centric. It emphasizes how our stuff can so easily get in the way of our flourishing: physically, emotionally, spiritually, environmentally, and psychologically.
But, I certainly don’t need any article or podcast to tell me that – I live it every day. Piles of laundry in our bedroom that haven’t been touched in weeks. Are they clean? Are they dirty? Time for the sniff test. Dishes galore. Random clutter piles in every corner. A garage of chaos. The “toss” closet where everyone tosses their junk in and never dares to glance at the massive pile up that will inevitably one day lead to a full-day clean out. Books. Toys. Paper clutter (my least favorite). If you’ve grown up in western civilization, you know what I mean.
This stuff takes a toll on our health and takes control of our lives and our most precious resources: our time and our attention. I recently read in a New York Times article that “clutter can negatively impact mental well-being, particularly among women. Clutter can also induce a physiological response, including increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.” Do we need more of a reason to ruthlessly simplify our lives?
Here are my top 5 reasons for choosing a simplified life:
Undivided, quality time with my family
Hospitality: More people in our home without fighting clutter or feeling the “stuff” stress
Time for activities I love and goals I want to accomplish
Budget-friendly living and more focused financial stewardship
True gratitude for the possessions our family chooses to have, rather than disdain for the clutter
I’m on the rocky, messy, and incredible journey of finding freedom in letting go of the stuff and living open, free, and focused on the things that matter most to me.
Here are a few resources I’m following along with as we take steps toward a holistically simple life:
Books:
Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World
Abundant Simplicity: Discovering the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace
The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own
Podcasts:
Youtube:
Ministries / Spiritual Practices:
