Editor’s Note: This is a post in the series, Simplicity in Action. If you’d like to submit your story of how simplicity has worked in your life, please read more here. You can write about anything from decluttering a junk drawer to simplifying your diet. Let your small and big changes inspire others.
Amanda
I used to have an official ‘bucket list.’ I used to pack every weekend with adventurous trips and events. I used to believe a day with no plans was a complete waste. An active, global lifestyle was one I’d dreamed of — weekend road trips; last-minute flights cross-country; piling my plans sky-high with new restaurants, hobbies and people.
A lot has changed within the past year. I’m happy to say on this overcast Saturday I woke up without anything on my to-do list. I stayed in my pajamas until noon and slowly savored a cup of coffee and breakfast (well, more like lunch). I went for a bike ride. I don’t know what I’m going to do next, but it doesn’t really matter. I’m here. I’m present in this moment. And I’m happy.
While I still want to travel and see places, it is no longer a top priority in my ‘free’ time. Instead, a simple lifestyle with the rare dose of crazy adventure keeps me centered, energized and feeling good.
Here’s a challenge for you: Plan nothing this weekend. See where it takes you. I’m not saying to just lie on the floor staring at the ceiling, but if that’s where you’re lead, do it! Just relax for once, by golly. You may sit at the edge of your bed for a few minutes, awkwardly peering around your house like you’ve never seen the place before. Whatever happens, go with it.
Simplicity, to me, means slowing down. It’s being content where you are. It’s choosing the simple route, which may not be the fastest or most luxurious, but it will create synergy throughout your entire life. I think it’s a good, every-day example of how this synergy works: If you stop taking your car so many places (during the weekends in this case), you may choose to bike or walk more. You won’t need to fill up on gas as often. You’ll be more active and may even choose to forgo your gym membership. All of these outcomes save money, improve health and boost happiness.
Can’t you see? It all works in harmony, seamlessly. Problem is, the simple choices are so simple we typically just overlook them.
Although I’ve saved money, time and health through my new outlook on life, the greatest reward has been peace of mind. I no longer feel the constant pressure to do certain things to look good in front of my friends and family. It seems fun to brag about an uber-glamorous lifestyle by posting photos and updates on Facebook, but chances are you’ll just feel more empty after all.
So, that’s it. While my journey to simplicity hasn’t been too radical, its effects have revolutionized my life. I still have dreams, hopes and a tentative ‘bucket list,’ but it doesn’t run my world. I’m perfectly happy spending a Sunday afternoon going for a walk and reading book instead of white-water rafting and taking a last-minute trip to a new city. By slowing down and enjoying the simple things, I’ve discovered a new zest for life that isn’t dependent on where I am, who I’m with, or what’s next. It just is.
Read more from Amanda at a thrifty hippie and connect with her on Twitter or Google+.
Escaping the sense of “constant pressure”. Isn’t that what we all dream about? Thanks for this mini-guide to a delicious sense of inner peace.
Sandra, thanks for your comment! 🙂 Hope you’ve been having a lovely, slow, simple weekend. Talk to you soon!
Such wise words. For many of us slowing down is not easy, especially if you are a perfectionist. Allowing yourself time off and time to just be is a wonderful gift to give yourself. A very inspiring account Amanda xo
I am a perfectionist in some ways. My solution is to purge my stuff…the less I have to try to keep perfect, the better off I am. What we are missing today is the idea that we can only manage so much stuff well. We should only have what we feel we can comfortably manage. I think we all know instinctively what those things are, and we need the courage to get rid of the rest.
Wow, thanks so much, Claire! Wishing you a lovely, simple holiday season—one of the hardest times to slow down. Thanks for your comment!
You are an inspiration – thank you!
I’m flattered by your kind words. Thank you so much, Laurie!
This was very inspiring. Thank you!
Mopsa, thank you so much! 🙂
I too have been relishing in unscheduled time, particularly these last few months.
Thanks for sharing your story!
It’s a beautiful thing, for sure. Keep on enjoyin’ it! Thanks for your comment. 🙂
This was great. I love staying home and was beginning to wonder what was wrong with me, that I didn’t feel the desire to run all over creation and visit the Saturday Downtown Market or go to fabulous restaurants or shopping or to Theme Parks (I live in Florida) or do big social galas, etc. Your article made me feel better about my decisions to live as easily as possible, so thanks!
Courtney, these guest posts are such a blessing, thank you for sharing them, I truly look forward to each one.
Kathy, reading your comment reminds me of why I do this. There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying the simple things in life—good for you! True peace can only come from within. I find one of my favorite places to spend my weekends is in nature, where I feel most at home. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
I agree with you. Adventures feel so special when you take time between them, live slowly and simply, and in the moment. Life should not be about chasing “highs” and experiences and exotic locations, always planning for the next source of excitement. I do think spontaneity can be good, but in the sense that it helps you find “mini adventures” right where you live. Trying to see your surroundings in a new way. You know, for someone else, where YOU live, is very exotic!
When you feel a pressure to be on the move all the time, or feel like you “should” take that trip or go to than gig or a new restaurant or hip hobby, to seem cool or keep up an image (either for others or for yourself) but on the inside you just want to stay home.. that is your cue to reduce and slow down.
Exactly. I love being spontaneous, too! But that doesn’t mean I need to constantly be chasing after new and exciting things to be happy. I love your take on the balance between the two—simplicity and spontaneity. Thanks for your comment, Vappu. 🙂
Amanda, thank you for sharing your story! I, too, have been rethinking the rushing from one thing to another. My husband and I have revamped our lives to live our lives with less stuff and more time together. We were waiting for a friend to come over for a mini-book club, and she was late. At first, we started worrying about all the things we weren’t getting done. My husband was ready to hop out and run and errand before she got there. When he got to the door he said, I don’t want to do that. Instead he sat and browsed through books and I did the same. We had candles lit and music playing in the background, and I looked over at him and said, “This is how I picture us.” I love big hikes and big projects, but I love the simple times just as much.
Tammy, what a beautiful example. I’ve also found that slowing down restores a deep-rooted source of peace. I hope you both continue to seek the balance between adventure and simplicity. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Tammy R, I really like your mini book club example. It’s do important to enjoy the bonus time you get together.
Hi Mark. We meet with our Renegade Book Club of Three twice per year, and CJ and I have our own little book club. I wrote about how we do it at hoombah.com. We love Half Price Books and can get two copies for the price of one. Our goal is to live with little clutter but books with our own handwritten notes in the margin do not constitute clutter in my mind. 🙂 I can’t express how much we have enhanced our relationship with the works of Franzen, Hemingway, and so many others!
Hello Tammy R.
I have been thinking about book clubs for a while, so I will definitely be reading through how you do yours after writing this post.
I love the intimacy of the clubs you’re suggesting.
Here is a book club at the other extreme… A world wide one which I will be involved in.
http://www.squidoo.com/IcarusSession
Even though its on a mass scale, I believe there is a chance for amazing connections.
Just a random thought that came to me whilst reading your comment.
Wow, Mark! I just made a note to check out that site. Thank you so much!