What does simple living mean to you?
Ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers to the question: "What does simple living mean to you?"In fact, ask me 10 times and you will get 10 different answers.Not because I'm flaky, but because simplicity can be kinda complicated. What we need it to be will change depending upon circumstance, seasons in life and who it applies to. And that's OK.Recently a friend asked me to describe simple living. And while it was easy enough to give the expected answers:
- cutting away the excess in life
- getting back to what is truly important
- decluttering
- saying no to things that we didn't need or didn't need to do
- taking time to do nothing
- looking for contentment
- practising gratitude
- living an environmentally conscious life...
what I found myself thinking about were the benefits. What the actual day-to-day nuts and bolts of life look like now that we have embraced simplicity. Instead of focusing on the what, my mind was drawn to the why - to the things we've gained simply because of living a simpler life.My answers weren't about living in a clutter-free home (although that is so lovely) or having only clothes that I wear in my wardrobe (even though it makes getting dressed in the morning infinitely easier) or cleaning our home with natural cleaners (although I appreciate the impact of this).Instead, I focused on the time I got to spend in the garden. The tiny beauties I now notice and appreciate. The giggles of our kids. The joy of a lazy Sunday afternoon. The sunlight in the trees.And I know these are cliched answers, but that doesn't make them any less real. If we hadn't taken the time, and worked for years to create a simpler life, I wouldn't have been around to notice these things. If I hadn't suffered a crushing breakdown and closed my business, I'd still be working all hours, I'd be falling further and further behind at home, I'd be barely present in my kids lives and I would be missing out on the tiny (and yet massive) joys of the sun on my face, the dirt on our hands and the hugs of our kids.That's what simplicity means to me.It's not a destination. I don't think I will ever look around me, brush my hands together and say, "Well, that's it. I'm done."I believe that our ideas of enough and simple and freedom will continue to change over time, as our perspectives and seasons of life change.Simplicity is a mindset, but it's not the point in and of itself. The way we live, and the life we live - this is the point. The sun, the dirt, the travel, the laughter, the memories. These are the point. Noticing them and carving a life from these tiny moments - that is the point.The decluttering helps us to get there. Learning to say no helps us to get there. Letting go of constant busyness helps us to get there. But those aren't the point.So what does simple living mean to me?Living. Simply.http://youtu.be/TsKJPD-rSOoIn October this year, a group of simplicity advocates and enthusiasts will gather in Minneapolis to share their ideas on living a simple, intentional life. You have the opportunity to join them and join the ever-growing movement towards a simpler, slower way of life.
The first-ever SimpleREV is being held at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis on October 3-4, and shouldn't be missed if you're looking to slow down, simplify and get real in a world of hyper-consumerism and endless busy-ness.Those who do attend will work closely with workshop leaders and keynote speakers such as Joshua Becker (Becoming Minimalist), Joel Zaslofsky (Value of Simple) and Dan Hayes (Simple Life Together), as well as an entire community of people who value a simple life just as much as you do.This event is for anyone interested in living a simple life - whether you've sold 90% of your belongings and live in a campervan, or if you're merely dipping your toe into the pool that is simplicity. There will be encouraging keynote speeches to uplift you, while intimate workshops will help you craft a more intentional, simple life. At SimpleREV, there is something for everyone. (And can I tell you, the line-up of workshops and presentations makes it sting even more that I can't attend. Unfortunately, living on the other side of the planet has its downsides and I can't swing it this year.)Grab your ticket today, or visit the SimpleREV website to discover more about the event, the founders and what you can expect during the first weekend of October. Wake Up. Come Home. Fill Up. Be Simple.