Simplicity

This post was originally published on 2/17/14 on the Simple Joy Organizing blog.I recently spent two days with fellow simple living enthusiasts at the first ever SimpleREV conference discussing the many ways we intentionally choose to live simply.  I'm sharing this post again to encourage you to define what simplicity looks like for you.Simplicity…a word that awakens a variety of feelings. Maybe for you it brings feelings of peace as you envision it consistently in your life. Or maybe it brings overwhelming feelings as you wonder how and where to begin incorporating it into your life.   Remember…it is a journey…As with many things in life, simplicity looks different to each of us. And it can look different at various points in our lives. Growing up, my life was simple in many ways. Yet as a child living on a farm in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, I did not view it as such. I did not have the gift of the past to appreciate the present.Today, we have the power to choose to move forward on our journey towards simplicity. Taking a bit of time to look back and reflect on where we’ve encountered simplicity in the past, might just make it a little easier to move forward.Looking back and intentionally thinking forward, today I see simplicity as:-Being in nature-Creating art with family-Quiet moments of solitude-Sunshine-filled days by the ocean-Snow crunching under my feet as I walk in the park-Living what I love-Genuine laughter-Cool, rainy days watching surfers dance with the waves-Just enough toys to inspire my children, but not too many to overwhelm them-Noise-filled gatherings being present with those I love-Open space in my home-Free time in my life-Gratitude in the momentI encourage you to reflect on when you’ve had simplicity in your life. What did it look like? How did it feel? How can you choose today to move forward with simplicity in your life? I’d love to hear what simplicity looks like for you-send me a note!Blessings,Lisa