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.
Jennie
I used to only think about simplicity in regard to things. I love reducing the amount of stuff I own, and I love the calm that a simple household brings.
When I had children, my notions of simplicity changed. For one thing, it became much more difficult to stem the tidal wave of clutter making its way into our house. That continues to be a work in progress for all four of us.
What I learned after my babies were born was how important simplicity is when it comes to daily life and routine.
We live thirty minutes from the grocery store, library, park and restaurants we enjoy. Before children, my husband and I went to town once or twice a week to get what we needed and to run errands.
After children, I realized that making an extra trip (or two) each week was worth it.
It does not work with two small children to have a list of errands as long as my arm. Everyone gets tired, hungry and petulant – including me! Choosing two, maybe three, things we need to accomplish each day is just right.
I’ve found that the same is true at home. The days with a simple handful of items on my to-do list are more enjoyable for all three of us than the days I race to accomplish as much as possible.
We have space on the simple days. Space for activities the children choose, space for long walks with no destination, space to simply breathe. I feel most connected to my little ones on these days, and isn’t that the point of simplifying your life after all? Feeling connected to those around me, giving them the attention they deserve, is one of the most rewarding benefits of making simplicity a priority.
Do we have crazy, complicated days? Of course we do. Life is only life with both sides of the coin, with the ebb and flow of energy and activity.
What I want my children to remember is that the simple days are the ones we come back to. Those are the days we know will come again when the latest burst of chaos is finished. Those days are the ones I look forward to the most, and the ones I hope they will remember fondly when they create homes and routines of their own one day.
Read more from Jennie at Bighorn Mountain Mama, where she writes about life with small children, depression, spirituality and how to learn to love yourself as much as you love the people you gave birth to.
Being not doing is the key – we should focus on the quality of our lives not the quantity of stuff we get done. I admire you Jennie for making this a priority in your life xo
Thanks so much, Claire! There is a learning curve, of course. We are taught so often that more is better in every way. It’s nice on the days I remember that less is actually more!
Hi Jennie. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I see people rushing around from activity to activity. While they are at one activity, they are talking about the next three items on their to-do list. The word ‘routine’ really speaks to me. I teach young children and wish that they could experience some of the routines you are putting in place for your children – long walks and simple days. It makes me cringe when I hear children saying, “I don’t have any time to myself,” or “My favorite day is Saturday because it’s my only day off.” I appreciate your words.
Tammy, thank you for your comment! Affirmation is a wonderful thing, especially for mothers who tend to doubt everything we do when it comes to our children. My goal this winter is to create a daily rhythm for us that varies a little bit, but is still something they can count on. Thanks again, so much!
Thanks for sharing your story, Jennie.
I have four kids and not too long ago, I was the mum that felt her kids would lose out if they didn’t join the art class, do karate, swimming, skating (you get the picture)!
Last year I read the book Simplicity Parenting and it really made me take a good look at how my family was living. I’ve learned to de-schedule amongst other things and now we prioritize so that we don’t have activities every day after school.
The kids are happier and so am I!
Saida, Simplicity Parenting was life-changing for me, too! I read it when my son was a toddler – I think I was pregnant with my daughter. It absolutely altered the way I think about our days, rhythms and routines. Good for you for making the change – it is hard to change an established routine! My son sometimes tells me after a few busy days, “Mom, I don’t want to go ANYWHERE today, and I just want to stay in my pajamas.” Thankfully, we can do that!