Simplicity with Children
I am at the place in life where I believe living a life of simplicity will be of more value than anything else. I found myself ready to give into the simple pleasures of basic things that make me happy as a wife, mom and as a woman. I have learned that it is fulfilling and satisfying. I no longer worry about doing the most or keeping up with anyone or anybody because I simply enjoy what I enjoy. Haha! It is not a nonchalant attitude, it is more of a peaceful, life will do what life will do, attitude. More like, a total surrender to Christ kind of attitude. It also helps cut down on spending more than you need to and thinking more than you have to. It’s actually a beautiful life because it simply helps you prioritize the most important things in life. If you don’t have to do something, then don’t do it. That sounds simple enough, right.
Case in point, I recently chose to cut back on social media, and a lot of other things I had going on, due to the demands of school, on top of work, motherhood, and being a wife. I didn’t record any podcasts, didn’t write many blog posts, and refused to stress out about things that I would normally do but really wasn’t able to do. As I like to always remind my clients that they have a choice, I remembered also, and I just chose differently. I chose to focus more on growing deeper in my knowledge of God, spent more time in devotion, exercised more, watched Asian tv shows because I view it as reading a novel due to having to read the entire show, and focused more on my family. That’s super simple, I know, but it has been a lot more satisfying than stressing about uploading content, seeing who’s doing what on my feed, running somewhere every chance I get, on top of wifehood, motherhood, being a doctoral student, wife consultant, and a professional therapist. Now that I am writing it all out, whew! That’s a lot.
Here are 5 ways to assist you in living a simple lifestyle.
Define your values. What is most important to you. In therapy, I typically ask my clients to identify what’s most important to them and write it down. They then have something that will hold them accountable to what they said. Then we develop actions to back up what they say they want to do in a positive progress statement of their creation.
Declutter your home. If something isn’t adding value to you or your space, get rid of it. Donate old clothes that you aren’t wearing and probably not gone be wearing within the next year. No use in holding on to them. That could actually be someone else’s blessing that you’re refusing to give up.
Cut down on electronics. Spend less time on your phone or computer and more time on the people in your life. You just might like it. It could possibly decrease all of the stress of comparison, be it consciously or subconsciously.
Start your day with gratitude. This has been coupled with meditation for me. In the morning when I wake up, literally, while laying in bed, I thank God for allowing me to see another day. I then proceed to say what I am grateful for, still while laying in bed. Afterwards, I mentally visit each checkpoint. Mentally, physically, emotionally, I see how I’m doing. If any part of me is hurting or aching, if I am drained or tired, if I am anxious or nervous about anything, or if I am happy or sad about anything.
Shop for quality over quantity. Don’t worry about what’s trending or popular. Don’t even worry about missing out on what everyone is talking about. Buy the things that will bring value to your life. If you buy quality things, they typically last longer which decreases the amount you spend. “Shrugs” just something to think about.
Spend time in nature. The boys and I are outside people. On any given day, if it is not raining, we are in the yard or at a playground. We enjoy having our hyper golden doodle in the yard with us, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Spending time outdoors helps you to clear your mind, cut down on screen time, and just gives you time to slow down. You need it and i’m sure your family will appreciate it.
I hope you would take the time to consider the type of life you are currently living, and the kind of life you want to live. I want you to be happy, healthy, and whole. Choose to take an inventory of what’s going on in your life so you can do what is best. Remember, you have a choice.
Bye for now