Do you have too many worries to count? Life has become too overwhelming and too busy for many people. It’s hard to keep up with obligations and societal expectations of what makes for an ideal and happy life.
The struggle to have it all becomes too much. Living a simpler life on the outside can enrich your inner life, and here are seven reasons why:
1. Less stuff to weigh you down.
There is comfort in collecting keepsakes that remind you of the good old days. But at some point, the collection becomes clutter, and you’re no good to anyone if you’re drowning in your memorabilia. Your collection of clutter becomes a physical representation of a disconnect from living in the present.
You need room to move about and breathe. Decluttering helps you let go of attachments to physical and emotional ties that no longer serve you.
2. Take pride in doing it yourself.
There’s something to be said for the hard work that goes into growing your own food or hemming your own clothes. Certain services and technological advances do make life easier, but there is a reward in knowing that you can survive on your own by following some simple tips.
Survival is also found in knowing how to support yourself in other simple ways: having the courage to make new friends, asking for help, learning a new language, growing a garden or cooking your own meals. Be proud of the useful knowledge you gain in life through trial and error.
3. Less focus on status quo.
Worry less about impressing everyone with a shiny car or fancy new wardrobe to show your success. You don’t have to play a part in life to be happy.
Don’t keep a complicated and toxic relationship going because the surface impression of you as a couple seems perfect to others. Don’t keep people, jobs, and objects in your life that keep you from your right to happiness.
When you focus less on the status quo, you’re able to focus on your real needs and goals for life.
4. Redirect spending to areas that matter.
Cut the cords on monthly expenses you don’t need. Can you stream your shows online instead of paying an expensive cable bill? Do you need your laptop, tablet, smartphone and other tech gadgets? Can you survive and thrive on a simpler cell phone plan?
Turn expensive gym memberships into outdoor park excursions or climb a mountain. Instead of eating out so much, learn how to cook at home and save for an overseas trip you’ve always wanted to take. Give back by donating your time and giving money to causes that align with your passions. Save for experiences, and save for your retirement, because you have a long and fulfilling life ahead.
5. Redefine time and how you use it.
No matter how much you check off of the to-do list, it will keep growing. Do you find yourself running out of time and struggling to keep up with life?
Make time to slow down and learn the art of saying “No.” What deserves your full attention right now? Do you want to spend more time with family but feel the need to stay stuck at work?
It’s okay to have different priorities and to operate at a different pace or schedule than others. Slowing down lets you appreciate life more and helps you discover your true priorities.
6. Reinforce relationship bonds.
Focusing on simplicity in relationships enables you to focus on the bigger picture. Why do you treasure a certain someone in your life? How do your relationships enrich your life?
In the grand scheme of life, “big” arguments become frivolous. How often have you looked back and forgotten the cause of the fight you’re having? Simplicity offers a perspective where people remember to be kind to each other during hard times. You never know what someone is going through.
The simplest gift to give to another is often the greatest, such as saying “I love you” and doing a small favor for a friend. Focusing on simplicity helps you to reinforce relationship bonds.
People say that life is complicated, but it’s only as complicated as you make it. Simplistic living can make you happier over time by lightening the load and your mood. In turn, you’re able to focus on connecting with yourself, your relationships and what really matters in your life.
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
