Living a simple life seems like a complex task for some. It doesn’t have to be! It takes time to make time, so perhaps that is the reason many of us lead a life more complicated than we need to – living a simple life is just too much work to initiate. Learn about the essence of simplicity in a previous post. Maybe there is more to it. Humans are typically resistant to change and we fear the unknown. Let’s look at this in a bit more detail.

Many of us avoid change – it takes us out of our comfort zone. It also is less complicated to maintain chaos and continue with misplaced priorities then it is to change them. We perceive simplifying as a punishment, but it is quite the contrary. It’s more difficult for pack rats and material dependent people to keep doing what they are doing. We maintain obligations, plans, goals and perceived needs while carrying expectations that are usually self-inflicted. A busy life disconnects you from the reality of the world. Changing this would go against everything they’ve ever learned and we all know it’s harder to go against the stream.

Perhaps, many of us are really swimming upstream. There is a double edged sword to change these habits. At first a little bit of pain, but over time a lot more pleasure.  It’s not about poverty or deprivation, it’s learning to say no and not letting your possessions and commitment control you.  When you learn to live a simple life you have an ability to get the most out of life and can do more of what you want to do! The process is a series of baby steps and gets easier over time. Soon it becomes habit forming and your life can become filled with abundance, not in things but in quality of lifestyle.

Picture spring cleaning, usually you clean up over a few weekends and spend a bit of time getting things in order, donating to a local charity, having a garage sale and freeing up some cash and getting rid of your remaining unwanted items. It’s cathartic. When you complete it, there is a huge sense of achievement. This is what living a simple life can achieve – every day.

Less things, less money needed to maintain them.It is a very beautiful and fulfilling way of life. More time is created so the things you want to do are easier, because you can find the time to do them. And it helps the community and often your family along the way…finally you can see the forest for the trees. So before you think simplifying is a chore or punishment – think of it first as a way to enjoy life.

if you liked this post, take a gander at these ones!

• Reap the Benefits of a Simple Life
• Simple Living: The Essence of Simplicity
• Downsizing Your Personal Life
• a simple life is not a burden
• simple steps to downshift your life