When the benefits of a simple life outweigh the life we find ourselves living, it’s time for a change.
Did you know two-thirds of Americans say they are likely to seek help for stress? Did you know fifty-four percent of Americans are concerned about the level of stress in their everyday lives?
While it’s true stress affects everyone, and not all stress is bad, we do have the power to control the stress in our lives.
Three years ago, my son moved to China. His life in the states had become too burdensome. He was experiencing physical side effects, and he needed a change. Not just a change of scenery, but a change of lifestyle. His life as an educator had left him overburdened, over-stressed and desperate for a simpler, more adventurous life.
Although it took me quite a few months to get used to the idea, I came to realize the wisdom of his choice. Skyping with him and visiting him became proof as I saw more ease, joy and spontaneous living.
I’ve watched him sell his car and whittle down his possessions to fly across 12 time zones and make a comfortable life in a 900 square foot apartment alongside faculty from around the world. My heart has traveled with him through countless adventures as he’s experienced the joys of adding stamps to his passport.
His choice for a simpler life freed him of burdens he could not get out from under in the states.
Now, three years later, I am thrilled at the simplicity and richness of life he has created for himself, even if it has taken him to the other side of the world. He’s learned valuable lessons and grown tremendously, and I know he will be back in the same timezone one day.
If you were to ask him, he would tell you he’s not chosen a lesser life. He’s chosen the way of more. He’s learned to let go of what doesn’t matter in exchange for the best of what does; relationships, experiences, freedom, presence, and joy.
The same is true for us. We don’t need to move to the other side of the world to experience what my son has discovered. The advantages of a simple life lie at the front steps of our life, right here and right now.
The choice for a simple life is the choice for more. More relationships, experiences, freedom, presence, and joy. Share on XWe’ve been together for 6 wonderful weeks, and we’ve looked deeper than just our possessions when it comes to creating our own simple life. Maybe you’re in a place where it’s still a bit overwhelming to think about letting go. Digging up old memories and sentiments can do that. Sometimes the goal gets a little foggy in the middle of the journey.
So, keeping our eyes on benefits makes all the difference when it comes to succeeding.
Presence
When we lean into simplicity, we also lean into each moment with a presence that is free of heavy burdens and responsibilities. Our presence is lighter, calmer and more sincere. No rushing or trying to pack our schedules. No more distractions because we’ve created balance for ourselves, and this flows over into every moment of our lives.
Authentic Hospitality
Our doors and hearts are more open to receiving others at any time of the day when we live light. Straightening things up is a breeze, space is always available, and we can be authentic. We’re not trying to impress anyone because we don’t have to. We know who are and we can enjoy sharing ourselves with others. Being with people becomes more of a relaxing priority as we experience deeper relationships.
Creativity & Imagination
Life takes on fresh colors, textures, and possibilities. Open space allows room to imagine and create. Freedom from the obligation that comes with maintaining a cluttered life opens the door to us imagining and creating a meaningful life we actually want to live. We can pursue our dreams because we can see the path and we can try something new because there is a freshness that comes from opening up our lives to simplicity.
Clarity of Values
We become so much more grounded in our purpose and our value. No more hamster wheel because we know what’s important to us and what isn’t. Our choices don’t move with the tide so we realize we are free to decide how to use our time, how to spend our resources and how to share our time and resources with others.
Financial Freedom
Less stuff means less money going out to maintain. If we’re making intentional, thoughtful purposes, then the next impulse buy isn’t going to phase us. We’re more likely to spend less, and when we do, it’s going to be on something that adds value to our life, not just instant and short-lived gratification.
Hopeful Future
Our stuff and our obligations can get the best of us, but when we learn to let go, downsize and clear away the excess, it creates hope. We don’t have to hang on to things because we aren’t afraid of letting go. We realize there will be enough for tomorrow, so we can live content with open hands and an open heart to the good things just over the horizon.
Better Health
When we aren’t consuming and running ourselves ragged, we’re less stressed. We sleep better, worry less and our focus is sharper. Less clutter in our lives means less impact on our body, mind, and spirit. We free ourselves to grow and experience life in a different, more profound way which impacts every facet of our emotional, physical, mental and intellectual health.
The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go. ~ Steve Maraboli Share on X
It’s been such fun sharing this journey with each of you as we’ve helped inspire one another, lighten our loads and spread a bit of encouragement!
I hope you’ve enjoyed The Simple Life Series. And I also hope you’re already experiencing some of these benefits. It only takes a couple to begin to realize there is power in our choices to let go and open our hearts and our hands to a life of more.
MORE JOY! MORE FREEDOM! MORE BALANCE!
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