Three years ago, my wife and I both felt that our lives were too hectic.
We longed for more time to cultivate relationships, savor life, and consciously pursue what mattered most to us. We realized that certain aspects of life were bound to keep expanding, ultimately taking up all available time, leaving us constantly feeling rushed.
So, we embarked on a lengthy journey of decluttering, clearing out all non-essential items or things that did not bring profound joy into our lives. We decluttered tangible clutter like clothes, knick-knacks, and tools we no longer needed, as well as mental burdens such as high expectations, unnecessary comparisons with others, and desires that deviated us from our true values.
The final result, while not perfect, was a fulfilling life experience for us. We had taken a significant step toward the vision we originally set for our family.
Along the way, we made many mistakes.
In exploring the best path to a simpler life, we learned a lot through trial and error. Some mistakes were inevitable byproducts of figuring out what approach suited our personalities the best, while others were dead ends.
If you are embarking on the journey towards a simpler life, I encourage you not to fear making mistakes. The spirit of trial and error as you go is exactly what you need.
Understanding the mistakes we made along the way may help you avoid repeating them, or swiftly adjust your course towards a more beneficial direction when you realize you may be going astray.
We’ve all heard the advice “start small,” but always felt like it wasn’t applicable to us. However, I’ve now wholeheartedly embraced this gradual change approach. Making small changes and experiencing their effects firsthand is the best way to build momentum. In my experience, maintaining this momentum is the most reliable way to truly implement significant changes.
Simple living attracts those who crave more control over their lives, leading people to naturally push this desirable notion to extremes. In our practice, we often felt troubled by the desire to create a flawless system, completely rid ourselves of all clutter! The true wisdom lies in discerning when a plan is “good enough.”
When you set too many rules or execute them too strictly, simple living can quickly become complicated. Our goal is not to pursue some perfect life – one without flaws, perfectly organized and in order – but rather a more relaxed way of living that allows you more freedom to enjoy life.
There are excellent blogs and resources online on how to lead a simpler life. Some individuals have even taken this lifestyle to the extreme, making minimalism a crucial part of their identity. I recommend finding a approach that suits you. While occasional inspiration-seeking can be beneficial, most of the time, focus on what is most beneficial for you and your family.
Simple living and minimalism are two concepts with many overlapping aspects. Particularly in minimalism, the aesthetic elements contained within the philosophy captivate many. The clean white walls, sharp lines, and minimal decorations indeed create a sense of rustic beauty and elegance. But be careful not to let this aesthetic detract from your focus, as we have experienced in the past. Always remember the deep-rooted reasons that prompted you to simplify your life.
Once you make progress in simplifying your life, you will notice the chaos in other people’s lives around you. At this point, you might feel compelled to try to change others or urge them to keep pace with you, so you can enjoy the benefits of a more peaceful environment. However, exercise caution in this regard. Change must come from within, or it may lead to tension in relationships. This presents a great opportunity for you to practice inner refinement by letting go of expectations for others while pursuing a simpler life.
Lastly, when considering how to simplify life, remember that simplicity is just a tool, not the end goal of life. The true goal of life is to live a fulfilling life, enjoy it, and align with the values deep within you. If you add rules to every aspect of life, simple living may evolve into an all-encompassing philosophy, but that is a misconception. The essence of simple living lies in being a practical practice adopted to lighten the load, focus attention, and achieve its best results.