The Marathon of Simplifying

I wrote the words below in the midst of our drastic simplifying efforts.   I had recently started my business, we were sorting, selling and donating our “stuff,” we were preparing to put our house on the market and we were planning our first cross-country road trip.  Although it was all in the interest of creating a simpler, less stressful life, I was overwhelmed and worn out.  We were carving our own path and pursuing our big dreams, but some days were filled with so much fear.  And stress.  And anxiety.It’s been more than 4 years since I wrote these words and I’m ever so grateful that I persevered through these tough days.   I’m sharing this now to let you know you’re not alone if you’re finding the road to simplicity not so simple.  And I'm encouraging you to stay focused on the big dreams you’re heading toward as you work through the challenges.I’m currently in the middle of a marathon.  Not the 26.2 mile kind of marathon you run.  No, I’m in the middle of the “simplifying your life marathon.”  But right now, it feels like I’m actually out running, trying to just stay focused on putting one foot in front of the other…I signed up for this marathon many months ago and at the time, I thought I had it all planned out.  A series of opportunities and divine events played out for me to even be able to sign up for this adventure and for that, I’m grateful.  All I have to do now is finish running the race.  The visions of where I’m headed have always been at the forefront of my mind.    But here I am now, in the middle of the race.  I’ve made substantial progress, crossing off the early miles fairly easily.  But suddenly I’m moving at a snail’s pace.  I think I passed mile marker #10 a little while back, but I’m not quite sure.  It’s getting foggy and I’m losing sight of where I’m headed.  I’m questioning everything.  Should I have even signed up for this race?  Should I keep running?  Or should I take a sharp left at the next side street and quietly duck out?  Because honestly, that option sounds pretty enticing right now.  But wait, I’ve made it this far.  Would I regret giving it all up and sneaking out quietly?  Would I regret not finishing what I started?As I consider my options with the questions, doubts, fears, and ideas spinning like a tornado in my head, I realize this isn’t the first marathon I’ve run (still metaphorically speaking, of course!).  In fact, there have been a handful of marathons I’ve run and finished in my life.  They weren’t easy, but they were worth every bump in the road and every ounce of sweat shed.  So maybe the question I should be asking instead is, “Would I regret finishing this race?”  I ponder this question and look around.  I’m not alone.  Many others have run races like this before me.  And I’m surrounded by others who are right alongside me running this one right now.  I honestly can’t imagine coming this far and giving up.I suddenly remember my husband is right alongside me running with me!  I know my kids are waiting at the finish line, just as excited as I am about what’s on the other side.  I remember why I’m running this race.  And I know that some of the really good things in life aren’t always easy to pursue.I remind myself of how far I’ve come.  I know I’ve got a long way to go.  But I’m not alone.  I’m not a quitter.  I want a simpler life and I’m willing to keep running for it.  I think about some of the reasons I signed up for this race to begin with.  I want to live in a place I love.  I want to let the dog out at night after a long day and hear the ocean.  I want fewer responsibilities.  I want less traffic and fewer things to dust. I want to see my kids get off the bus.  I want to see the world.  I want simple…  I really don’t enjoy running.  But I’ve watched my husband (and hundreds of others) run through heat and rain and cold to make it across that finish line.  And I can’t help but feel how similar of a journey I’m on right now.   I know that if simplifying were easy, we’d all be minimalists…  I know I can make it through the tough miles.  I just need to stay the course.  Because I know the life that’s waiting for me at the finish line is worth running for.Journaling these thoughts helped me get through those tough times.  And following the inspiration of others who had gone before me helped, too.Remember that you’re not alone on your simplifying journey.  And remember why you’re running.  You’ve got this!To Simplicity & Joy,Lisa