For me, simple living means living with such ease and simplicity that no aspect of your life seems complicated. It's not a set of rules to be adapted in order to change your lifestyle. Rather, it's a gradual process in which you learn to be more aware and mindful, understanding what truly matters to you and what doesn't matter at all. Simple living encompasses more than just a lifestyle; it involves being aware of your surroundings, being sensitive to your senses, and being intentional about what you expose them to.
My Journey to Simple Living
For me, it was a gradual understanding that developed over time. I started to analyze myself and my life, and I became overwhelmed with the complexities associated with it. I began to realize that:
I was not actively taking ownership of my life, and instead, my life was being controlled by the people around me.
My house was filled with a multitude of items that were a result of my impulse buying, which made me feel uncomfortable.
I didn't know how to assertively say no to people.
My relationships consisted more of drama, pain, and insecurities rather than love, support, and freedom.
I was holding onto numerous unsaid thoughts and emotions within me, and they were consuming me. Eventually, this began to impact my health.
Something didn't feel right, and I realized that I needed to change the way I was living my life. I made the decision to eliminate everything that was unnecessary, whether it was the belongings I didn't use or toxic relationships that left me feeling distraught. I knew that I wanted a life that was uncomplicated and simple, with less chaos and more joy.
If you're new to this journey and feeling a bit lost or confused about where to begin, I understand that sentiment! Here's a list of three simple and fundamental tips I've put together to help you figure out how to start living a simpler life:
1. Start with Your Inner Self
Decluttering is the first thing that comes to mind when we are intrigued by the idea of simple living. We feel inspired to remove a whole bunch of stuff from our kitchen, living room, or wardrobe. We feel good for a few days, but then we may start to feel lost and wonder what to do next.
Simple living encompasses much more than mere decluttering and organizing. It involves making mindful choices each day based on what truly matters to us.
Therefore, before making external changes, it's crucial to begin making changes from within.
Begin by observing yourself. Take the time to observe everything you do throughout the day.
Observe your feelings, such as how you feel when you're stuck in a traffic jam or how you feel and react when someone says something mean to you.
Pay attention to the people you spend your time with and the topics of your conversations.
During this observation, refrain from judging your actions or choices. Simply observe and write down everything you notice, without altering or filtering the observations.
Review everything you have written and identify which actions, conversations, feelings, and friends contribute value to your life.
You have the freedom to let go of actions, talks, feelings, and even friends that don't add any value and only occupy space in your life.
Stay consistent in your efforts, and you will begin to experience changes within yourself.
2. Don't Rush For Decluttering
Wondering how to start living a simpler life can indeed feel overwhelming. The allure of an empty room with minimal decoration may be tempting, and the immediate instinct might be to dive into decluttering your room or house right away. However, it's important to remember that it doesn't work like that—trust me on this.
Simple living is not just about decluttering; it also involves recognizing the purpose and value of everything in your life. So, before you rush to throw things out of the house, take a moment to pause and consider doing the following instead.
Start with a small and specific area to begin.
Create a list of items you want to remove. Write down every little thing that comes to mind.
Review the list and ask yourself why you initially purchased each item and why you no longer wish to keep it. Repeat this process for each item on your list.
Through this exercise, you will come to understand that the goal is not simply to discard things and create empty space. Instead, you will realize that these items have fulfilled their purpose in your life, and you are now embracing a new mindset—a mindset where you no longer require them.
By going through this thoughtful evaluation, you can begin your journey towards a new life with a fresh perspective, free from the unnecessary belongings that no longer serve you.
3. Remind Yourself that You Are Doing It For Yourself
During the initial stages of practicing simple living, it's common to experience a sense of angst, particularly when parting with items that hold emotional significance. In such moments, it's essential to reflect on the reason why you embarked on this journey in the first place. What was the purpose behind decluttering? You are undertaking this process for your own sake—to embrace a life that is simpler, uncomplicated, and filled with joy. Therefore, it's important not to become overwhelmed or excessively fixated on the process, as doing so would mean losing sight of the very essence of simplicity.
In conclusion, I want to emphasize the importance of not rushing into this process. Start slowly and take it at your own pace. Don't feel pressured to follow every tip you come across on the internet, including the ones I've shared. Feel free to customize and incorporate guidelines that you believe will work best for you. Remember, simple living is a personal journey, and it's about finding what brings you joy, ease, and fulfillment. So take it easy, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of discovering your own path to simplicity.
Much Love ❤️
❤️❤️