simple shui | 5 ways to start living more simply
simplicity is contagious.
it’s an electrifying quality that nourishes and propels life forward.
yet, we often fuel ourselves with expectations and obligations. the kamikaze chaos inevitably rubs our senses raw, and we end up feeling overwhelmed and irritable. life happens in moments that quickly congeal into years. rather than living them hijacked by overstimulation, here are a few practices to clear space for some well-deserved simplicity in our lives now.
STOP DOING WHAT YOU’RE NOT DOING.
ever wished for more hours in the day? the clutter from all our expectations – clear the inbox, plan the party, fix that broken gadget, start the DIY project we bought supplies for a year ago – keeps us distracted from our well-being. the thing is we can’t do it all. at least not all at the same time. and certainly not all of it at the same time well.
to have a meaningful life, we choose what is most important today and stop “doing” what we’re not doing. this decision wrangles us free from guilt and resentment. a shift from managing an impossible list to a few measurable tasks comes with a surge of relief. we discover enough space and energy to finish what we start, and the moments of our lives breathe fully in the absence of that unnecessary “i should…” dialogue.
HONOR BOUNDARIES.
somewhat habitually, if we don’t know where to put something, we postpone that responsibility to a pile or discretionary drawer. but clutter starts its own mutiny, dragging our energy with it.
give every room in your space a purpose – preferably in a few words. for example, a bedroom is meant for rest, romance, and relaxation, right? this is a simple and powerful starting point for cultivating an easier (and healthier!) life. defining space sets boundaries. if we honor those boundaries, it’s less likely things will end up somewhere by default. knowing where stuff belongs minimizes clutter. and that frees us from the drudgery of dealing with those pesky, procrastinated piles later – a lifestyle change that sends our moods, self-esteem, and energy soaring.
SHOP FOR INSPIRATION; NOT STUFF.
we acquire at a daring pace. but when it comes to letting things go, it’s like racing underwater. we experience resistance and make excuses. instead of kowtowing to the impulse purchase, spend time exploring what really awakens your senses. treating ourselves to this patient act of discovery is how we confidently release what we no longer love, use, or want. and when our surroundings spark and please us, our days feel more alive and aligned.
TRUST YOURSELF TO REMEMBER YOUR LIFE.
we nurture our nostalgia, clinging to it like it’s the only proof of our experiences. memories are what we carry with us, and it is only the memory that bestows meaning on our things. so, hold onto what you really love. but if the memorabilia is stored in the basement or a shoe box, consider why you’re keeping it. and if that answer doesn’t bring you joy, give yourself permission to make space for new memories.
OBSERVE DAILY RITUALS.
rituals are the vertebrae of our lives. when we revere what we’ve got – body, soul, and home – it cultivates its own kind of love. set an intention for the day; make your bed every morning; hang things up when you walk in the door; or tidy up before going to bed at night. whatever the ritual, practice it daily. we find our minds are minty fresh when we mindfully linger in the present moment. and in that space dwells a satisfying simplicity that comes from our intentional routines.
so, if a simpler life is a constant craving, stare down whatever is competing for your time and ponder if there is an easier way. clarity, much like simplicity, shows up when we free ourselves from our self-imposed restrictions. and without all that pressure, we make space for a life we love. xo
