There is so much to read about and hear about simple living these days that its easy to feel so overwhelmed with the phrase that all you want to do is simply give up! Right?
I get it sometimes. Its like so many things that seem to be the "thing" to do to prove our worth.
I feel that the only way for me to live my life is by living it as true and real as I can be, otherwise, what does living mean?
We are here for such a short time that I don't believe it means anything at all if we aren't our authentic selves. I feel I owe it to the Mother that gave me life and the Daughter I gave life to.
So.......
Simple living is a way for me to follow my authentic self. I find the less I have, the happier I am. Don't get me wrong, I'm not living in a cave with a slate for a plate and a stick for a fork. I'm a sucker for beautiful looking items in a home and I still almost get drawn in by pretty packaging but over the years Ive come to need less and less and all the beautiful pretty things only last for a short time and then you need to buy more to top up that feeling. Its a perpetual cycle of want and want. Happiness that comes from somewhere else needs only small spurges of things that cost nothing and are on constant tap.....inner joy from needing very little. Living in a more simple way helps us to see whats important in life, clears space for more favourable and treasured things like the odd ornament or to showcase a great piece of furniture or have one amazing coat that covers all seasons and suits every occasion, though I'm still working on that one!
My cutlery drawer was always crammed with utensils I rarely used and it was a headache sifting through the sharps to get to what I wanted. My wardrobe of endless swishing through the rail or the drawers to find what I want, what's suitable, what fits me today! The cosmetics and toiletries that sat gathering dust because too much choice clouds my vision.
Having less focuses the mind and I'm able to use the things I need and so all my things get used or looked on in gratitude and beauty.
"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful" - William Morris ( who had a beautiful house and life).