I fell into simple living without even realizing what I was doing. It didn’t occur to me until I started really thinking about all of the ways I have changed over time.
It started in 2013 when I was decorating our home for Christmas and just getting over morning sickness.
Instead of pulling out ALL of the little trinkets to decorate every room, I only decorated the main living areas and pulled out only the decor that was special to me.
Then while I was 8-9 months pregnant, I only had a total of 15 pieces of clothing and 3 pairs of shoes that I rotated.
I enjoyed getting dressed during those couple of months because my clothes were so limited and getting ready was so simple. My simple Christmas decor and simple wardrobe were the catalyst for even more simple living.
I didn’t become a minimalist, and I don’t live on a homestead where I milk my own cows and collect eggs every morning.
However, I’ve stepped away from the busyness. The constant need to do more and be more and have more.
I live a simple life. And I’m better for it.
Living a Simple Life
You may be thinking to yourself, what does living a simple life even mean? Usually simple living is depicted in a minimlaist home with white walls and nothing on the walls. Other times it is something like the Amish.
But living a simple life doesn’t mean you have to live in an empty home or without electricity.
Simple living is a life that is free from extra unessecary things that are weighing you down. These things take up your time, space, energy, and emotions.
Simple living is an intentional way of living that helps you focus on the most important parts of your life instead of wasting it on things that don’t matter.
If that sounds like something you want to do too, keep reading for practical steps to take.
How to Simplify Your Life
1. Stop buying things you don’t need.
Do you find that you purchase random things that you never end up using? Instead of using them, you put them in your closets or move items around your house.
All of these extra purchases are complicating your life. You can save yourself a lot of stress by only purchasing things you need.
Besides freeing up space in your home, you’ll also save money! These are the steps I took to stop spending money on things I dind’t need.
One of the best things you can do is shop with intention by making a list of things you need before entering stores.
2. Slow down.
Do you find yourself in a rush? I used to always be in a hurry. The traffic was too slow. The line at the grocery store was too long.
I wanted to get through my tasks as quickly as possible in order to move on to the next thing.
But I really didn’t need to hurry. Being in a rush only caused me to get more frustrated and miss out on simple blessings right in front of me. My baby actually taught me about slowing down one day.
If you find yourself always in a rush, intentionally slow down and enjoy what is in front of you rather than moving on the what is next.
3. Stay off social media more.
Social media has pros and cons as we all know. It’s great for connecting with others. But it’s also a very easy place to be influnced into becoming discontent with your life.
You are bombarded with stuff you don’t need, but think you do because you saw someone else with it.
This only makes you want more and more. However, when you stay off social media or at least limit the time you spend there, you’ll feel more content with what you have.
It’s easier to live a simple life when you aren’t comparing it to people on the internet.
Also, social media bombards you with information. Hunderds of years ago, people had a very limited amount of information. But today, there is a never ending cycle of information and news.
Step away and let go of the need to always be online and caught up with the latest.
4. Practice mindful gratefulness.
Simple living means you are content with less in your home, life, schedule, and heart. Having less only happens when you choose contentment with what you have.
I’ve found the best way to be content is to thank God regularly for the blessings He has placed in my life. This takes time to sit and think about specific things.
Simple Living Ideas
- Take a walk outside.
- Purchase clothes that mix and match easily.
- Get a good night’s sleep by going to bed early.
- Make time for rest each week.
- Donate clothes you no longer wear.
- Make food from scratch.
- Eat less processed food.
- Make real life connections.
- Set time limits for social media.
- Stop shopping for fun and instead shop with purpose.
- Read a book instead of turning the TV on.
- Make your own cleaning supplies.
- Declutter your home.
- Pray every day.
- Journal what you are thankful for.
- Plant a garden or at least a flower.
- Say “no” to things that you don’t have time for.
- Stop comparing your life to others.
- Draw, paint or color a picture.
- Play a musical instrument or listen to music.
Simple Things in Life
Simple living means having possessions, habits, and activities that add value to your life.
Instead of overcrowding your life with a bunch of good things, intentionally add the best things that bring you joy and peace.
Often the the things that bring you peace and joy are the most simple things in life.
Reading a book to your child.
Going for a walk and enjoying nature.
Baking muffins.
Clearing out a cluttered closet.
Going to bed early.
Weeding the garden.
A weekend free from social media.
Sitting on the front porch in the evening.
A warm cup of coffee in the quiet morning.
As you make steps toward a more simple life, intentionally practice joy in the every day things of your life. You’ll feel more content with what you have and your life in general.
For example, as you fold the laundry, keep a thankful attitude and enjoy the task rather than rushing through it and complaining about all of the laundry.
As you give your kids baths, enjoy the extra time with them instead of trying to get it over with.
I hope this post has given you some encouragement and practical tips for living a simple life. If you have anything you’d like to add, share in the comments.
