You may be craving a simpler life if you are going through something hard right now. If you feel overwhelmed, or like you’re dealing with too much, a simpler life is a great solution.
We can’t simplify everything, but we can let go of things that weigh us down to create a simpler life. By letting go of what’s heavy, we make space to reevaluate our lives and figure out what’s necessary. If you are facing any of these wake-up calls, a simpler life will help you heal and rebuild.
Having a simpler life doesn’t mean you have to become a minimalist, or make major changes you’re not ready for. A simpler life looks different for everyone. We don’t remove clutter, reject busyness and reduce stress to have a simple life. We do it to have a life. We do it to have a simpler life. We do it so we can show up for our lives. All of the excess is getting in the way. Letting go of even a few of these things will make a big difference.
8 Things to Let Go of When You’re Craving a Simpler Life
Let go of these things today for a simpler life. Enjoy more clarity, intentionality, and especially more compassion for yourself and others. Let go of things in your closets and thoughts in your mind. For more space in your home and joy in your life, consider letting go of these eight things. For some it will be a simple release, and for others, you’ll be shifting your habits.
1. Let go of the easy stuff first to create a simpler life.
We hold onto the easy stuff because we think, “It’s not hurting anyone.” Maybe the question we should be asking is, “How is this helping?” Letting go of clutter that no longer serves us is a big step towards simplifying life.
Remove most of your duplicate items. I know from experience that they might include measuring cups, wire whisks, wooden spoons, can openers, and other kitchen items. Do you have several colors of your favorite shirt even though you only wear your favorite? Abandon the clutter that, while not hurting you, isn’t helping you live or enjoy your life. Simplify on your own terms, doing what is best for you. Let go of the extras and be happy with your favorites.
2. For a simpler life, let go of other people’s stuff.
Other people’s stuff covers a bunch of categories. Let go of their actual stuff if they don’t live with you. Ask them to come and get it, give them a deadline, and then donate it after the deadline. If you’ve collected people’s stuff who have passed, not because you wanted to, but because you thought you had to, you can let it go. Ask family members if they want it. They probably don’t.
And then there is that thing we do when we get all involved in other people’s drama and issues that have absolutely nothing to do with us. We want to help and fix, but that’s not our job and it rarely works. Let that stuff go too for a simpler life (a much simpler life).
3. Aspirational items are heavy and confusing.
Aspirational items may include physical items, and dreams and goals that don’t resonate with you anymore. Let go of anything you own that you bought for a life you thought you wanted but don’t anymore. This might include books on topics you aren’t interested in or clothing for a job that you won’t be pursuing. There may be many items in between, too.
These items distract you from the life you have now. You may have been holding on to some anxiety with your aspirational items. They remind you that you aren’t doing the thing you said you wanted to do. But we change, and our life circumstances change. Life is simpler when you honor where you are instead of stressing about where you thought you wanted to go.
4. Say goodbye being busy all the time.
Are you chasing your to-do list? Do you stay up late in the name of getting one more thing done? It may be time to consider doing less. You probably know if you are trying to do too much. If you aren’t sure, check in with good friends and family members.
Productivity culture and scrolling social media will make you feel like you aren’t doing enough. You are! Make a conscious effort to slow down and focus on the things that matter to you. Slowing down and doing less is a gift.
5. Let go of what other people think (and what you think, too).
Caring too much about what other people think gets in the way of living your life the way you want. When I started the Project 333 challenge, I was surprised that no one noticed. I was wearing the same things over and over again and no one cared. Letting go of what others think will give you tremendous power to trust yourself.
You don’t have clarity when you hold on to thoughts and stories that don’t serve you. Some of them aren’t even true! Notice your assumptions and thought spirals. Let them go as soon as you can so you can get back to the present moment. If you need extra help with this, try using your body to shift your mind and mood. Let this noticing and shifting become a daily practice. Mindfulness and meditation techniques can make it easier, but letting go of what you think requires continued attention.
6. Release the resentment you are holding on to.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other person will die.” All of that holding on and being angry only hurts you. You don’t have to forgive or forget, but you don’t have to hurt yourself anymore either.
Resentment is a noisy place in your mind because you don’t have the control to change the past. For true simplicity in this area, the only option is to let go. And don’t be surprised if you have let go of the same thoughts and feelings more than once.
7. Don’t be so pleasing.
This one might be the hardest. By pleasing other people, you may actually believe you are doing the right thing. It’s wonderful to do nice things for other people, but check in on your motivation. Why do you continually sacrifice your own time and energy to please others? What do you get from the pleasing part?
The most painful part of this habit is the dishonesty of saying one thing and knowing the opposite is true. Also, notice who may be taking advantage of your need to please. Remember the saying, “The only people upset about you setting boundaries are the ones who benefited from you having none.” You can say, “no” and still be a wonderful person. Stop disappointing yourself in the name of pleasing other people.
8. Let go of the normal things.
Sometimes we do things that are considered “normal” because we want to fit in or we think we are being “good” by doing things even if we don’t want to. And then we keep going even though they aren’t contributing to a simpler life.
I stopped doing normal things. For instance: saying yes when I want to say no, drinking, apologizing when I’m not sorry, and sleeping in the same bed as my husband (see more on sleep divorce with #9 on this list). Notice how you spend your time and what some of your auto-pilot habits are. Which ones are weighing you down and holding you back? Sometimes life is more interesting and rewarding when you take the path less traveled.
Continue to simplify your life by letting go of what stresses you out and weighs you down. If you are ready for a simpler life, embrace the idea of letting go, slowing down, and living with less. Give yourself space, time, and permission to enjoy your life.
