The Selfish and Unselfish Sides of Simplifying

When I embarked on my simplifying journey, I admit that it was for selfish reasons. I was not happy with who I was and how I was spending my days. I knew my unhappiness was affecting the people in my life, but ultimately it was myself I was concerned about.I was surrounded with blessings-my husband, my kids, my family, my friends-all of whom I loved dearly, but as I gave what I had to them, I was suffering. The quiet place in my heart that longed for more joy and fulfillment struggled to be filled. I was nearing the point of having nothing left to give to others.Eventually I accepted the fact that if I wanted “me” to be happier, I was going to have to be the one to change it. I was going to have to be selfish. And so began my simplifying journey-a selfish act to make my life better.In my pursuit of this simpler, more fulfilling life, I was influenced by several kind and loving people. I continue to be grateful for the impact each and every one of them has had on my life. Many are now friends who continue to inspire and influence others every day. One of these individuals is Joshua Becker. Joshua’s story of becoming minimalist was one that not only inspired me but one to which I could easily relate. As a parent with a family and a house in the suburbs, reading about how he improved his life through simplifying gave me the hope that I, too, could find joy by letting go of my excess.Over the years of peeling away all of my excess-my physical possessions, my house, my career and my thoughts and beliefs-that quiet place in my heart began to fill. It began to fill with joy.Although my journey continues each day as I intentionally evaluate what I allow to fill my home and my days, the majority of my excess has been gone for more than a year now. I am now living a life that I once read about and hoped to find for my family. And I’m sharing my joy as I work with others to help them find their joy.What I’ve found is that the place in my heart that once felt so quiet and empty, now overflows with the desire to help others. I found the unselfish side of simplifying. I admit that in the very beginning, I had no idea how selfless of an act simplifying my life would be. I wanted to be happier and I did what I did for me.   But in doing so, I’ve found immense joy in giving. I give of my time, my possessions and my resources in a variety of ways and this holiday season, I am excited to be supporting a new endeavor, The Hope Effect.I believe that everyone on this earth deserves to live a life full of joy. For some, finding a life of joy means letting go of items that have become burdens and for others, it simply means receiving the love of a family and having a roof over their head. The Hope Effect is an organization that was founded by my friend, Joshua Becker, as a means to provide orphans with a more adequate type of care that includes the love of a family and a roof over their heads.As I’ve listened to stories and looked at photos from Joshua and my friend Anthony Ongaro’s travels to visit some of the children that will benefit from this organization, I’m further reminded why a simple life is a good life. Not only does it provide me with the opportunity to help others, but it has blessed me with great friends who are making the world a better place. I, and many others, have found that the joy in giving greatly outweighs the joy in receiving. As you approach this holiday season, I hope that you, too, experience the joy found in giving.May the blessings of the season be upon you and your family and may the joy in your heart never cease to fill the hearts of others.