Keep it Simple
“Simplicity,” says Christian author Richard Foster, “sets us free to receive the provision of God as a gift that is not ours to keep, and that can be freely shared with others.”
Those words spoke to me when I first read them thirty-five years ago and still do today. Simplicity means taking our hands off the controls and depending on our Higher Power, as do the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.
A few years ago I decided to drop my newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Now I’m free of those bills and of the paper clutter they add to my house. These days I visit the library where I can browse the issues I’m interested in and then leave them behind for others.
Simplifying Emotional Clutter Too!
One aspect of the simple life that I sometimes overlook is my tie to circumstances, traditions, outdated belief systems, and just plain habit. I hang on to people who no longer nourish me, to ideals that don’t support my life, and to customs I’ve outgrown. For example:
- who says we have to decorate a Christmas tree every year? What if you could be just as happy with a few small holiday ornaments and candles placed here and there that can be put up and taken down in ten minutes or less?
- who says we have to prepare a major Thanksgiving dinner for a family of thirty when we don’t feel up to it anymore? Order out. Eat in.
- who says we have to continue playing Bridge every Friday afternoon when we’d rather take a walk or a nap?
At first it will take some work, some letting go, some new ways of looking at our routine and what really matters to us during these golden years.
Simplicity encourages us to be well, look well, feel well, and do well without making a show of it. Simplicity allows us to drive an older car because we want to not because we have to. Or to drive a new car for the same reason. Like the apostle Paul we can be content in plenty or in want, we can accept the challenge of doing with less so we can be more on target for God. Simplicity begins within.
When we are simple on the inside we are free on the outside. I’m lovin’ it. How about you?
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Lao Tzu
Great in sightful thoughts, Karen. Today is my 80th bday and I’m enjoying purging things I don’t use any more. You are right, it is nice to enjoy the Holidays in a simpler way. I too like the freedom of not
Having magazines come to the house when many times I don’t take time to read them. It’s funny how life changes when one focus’ on what’s really important in life. I’m loving the change!
Happy 80th birthday to you Joan. I hope it was a joyous day. Bless you.
Happy 80th, Joan. I love hearing that you are enjoying the changes.
Karen your article really hit home for me. For the past five or six years I haven’t had a Christmas tree or lights. We celebrate Christmas at my daughters homes. It’s wonderful for me that I don’t have to think about the laborious task of putting everything away. It is also a blessing for me to continually give away or donate things I no longer use. Also, it brings me great pleasure to freeze vegetables and give them away to a neighbor who does stir fry’s. I am happy that I throw very little food away. I like the thought of letting go of emotional clutter. That’s a big one. Thank you for your meaningful writing.
Thanks, Sandy. I love hearing that the changes you are making are giving you peace.
Yes me too! Purging and packing to move for the last time with Don and me together is an incredible awakening!
I no longer want to feel obligated to host, cook, care for, entertain or feel obligated to be the hostess with the mostest!!!! I am feeling peace now.
Ocean waves, fresh air, precious knowing of being connected to all that is……. SO delicious …..thank GOD.
Thank you dear friend Karen for our incredible ongoing friendship…. I look forward to seeing you again soon and sharing our gifts of love from the Divine.
SIMPLICITY is The Way through our Divine guidance and faith.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. We have SO much to be giving THANKS for 🙏🏻🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Happy Thanksgiving to you all,
Thanks for sharing, Kathleen.
I needed these words today. We are in the process of downsizing and I have to purge myself of many items of sentimental value, but only add to the clutter of the smaller home.
Happy moving, Reenie. I relate to the challenge of moving and wish you the very best. Send me your address and I’ll send you a copy of my book, The UPSIDE of DOWNSIZING.
Thanks, Karen, for the reminder. Simplicity can be a real gift and allow more room for the important people and relationships in our lives!
So true, Carol. I’m glad you and I have plenty of room in our lives for each other.
Karen,
Like in our writing, it’s hard to throw away your darlings. I started doing this a month ago. I’m slow but I’ve got it all in my second bedroom. Out of sight, out of mind. After New Years, I’ll begin going through all the boxes. I’m getting a huge box and a smaller one. The huge box will be my throw aways and the smaller one will be the keepers. My apartment is finally beginning to be livable. LOL. I’ll email about my proposal. It helped me find some mistakes and do overs.
Your plan sounds wonderful, James. Soon you’ll have just the right amount of space that is perfect for you.
Funny that I cleaned out a drawer in my dresser where I kept special cards I have received and knew I would look at them over and over again~ The drawer was so full it would hardly close! I admit I enjoyed looking at the beautiful cards but also had to admit I will not look at them again AND I was surprised that I had placed a small box that had some bookmark supplies to make but my fingers ‘won’t let me’ make them anymore, so I found another place for that, and a few other things I kept but now do not need nor want! TA DA! I have an almost empty drawer! I hope I can keep it simple by putting only what I really want to keep in the drawer!
Thanks, Karen, Love you, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I faced a similar type of container and was able to streamline it. Good for you and for me!
Right on Karen…I thought when I made the move to Central Valley I had done a good job of purging. NOT… I’m at it again.
There is really only one magazine I truly enjoy. Emotional things are hard to get rid of. But they mean nothing to anyone but me. So…one day at a time I am clearjng out. Simplicty is sure easier. Thank You Karen.
Yes, simplicity is a true blessing. Enjoy the process.
Currently continuing to simplify my stuff inside and out and it is freeing.
Thanks for the “simple” inspiration Karen.
Smiles, BRC
Thank you, Beth. It seems we are on ‘the same page.’
I’m lovin’ it too, Karen. Freed up. Take things OFF my list, not add to it. Hard to extract from expectations, but well worth it. love, Heidi
Yep! Freeing mind and physical space makes for a happy life, for sure.
What you’ve written definitely affirms what I’ve been doing to simplify my life for a couple of years now. Some years I haven’t put up a big tree. Instead I place some of my miniature Christmas trees around my house. This year, I will be away visiting other family for Christmas. I’ll return home in the 26th, so my celebration in San Diego will be postponed to “the day after.” We will open gifts as usual but instead of cooking a big meal for 3 people- I’ve decided to treat everyone to Chinese food at PF Chang’s. Who says I have to cook another big meal? This decision really took a lot of pressure off me and changing up “have to’s” and re-thinking old traditions allows me the freedom I need to take care of myself at this stage of my life.
I love hearing this, Glenda. I’m ‘over’ the big shindigs too. A simple meal, a simple prayer of gratitude, and a simple quiet day is all I want.
It seems you have been a voice for many of us. Yes, we love seeing all the decorations of Christmas and other holidays, but it is not something we feel obligated to do. It is amazing that we all “of a certain age” are on the same page. !!
Happy Thanksgiving Karen.
Thanks, Etta Mae. Yes, ‘those of us of a certain age’ can now simply rest and enjoy life as it is and feel the presence of our God.