How does one do this? In all the hustle and bustle that we call life. Some days it seems like all I do is go from one mess to another, putting out fires here and there. Some days it seems like all I do is think of cooking, cook and clean up after the cooking, without really tasting the fruits of my labors. Some days the endless core of laundry seems to take over the house and my life! In the middle of all the chores there are children to raise and nurture and a husband to love and I come out harried and exhausted!
Where do I find simplicity in all this?
I have come to the conclusion that simplicity isn’t something that happens, it is something that is sought.
Simplicity is a choice. When life gets busy and crazy, give something up. I don’t do much if any volunteering at my children’s school because I am not a person who juggles a lot of activities effectively. My first priority is to my family and home and I am not as effective when there are a bunch of other things I need to do outside of my home. I use to feel a lot of guilt for this, but as I have become a better mother and homemaker I have let the guilt go.
Once you have trimmed the extra stuff how do you find joy and simplicity in washing dishes and sticky faces? Once again it is a choice. You have to find the simplicity and joy. When washing dishes there can be beautiful music playing, or a conversation with children. Sticky faces and fingers…learn to laugh and give that clean face a kiss once the mess is gone. Folding laundry ( I feel like I am forever doing this!) be quiet and feel the calm of the repetitive process and pride in neatly folded stacks. Have a child join in with you and talk over the socks, more information is given and secrets shared when hands are busy. Almost any chore can inherit the air of simplicity if a little thought is given and a little more time taken.
What do you think living simply means?
Simplicity to me is to enjoy the moment. Not yesterday, not today, and not tomorrow, but the actual moments that happen around me! Simplicity can be seen and enjoyed all around us. To live a simple life, is different to each of us. I believe it is all in the attitude of doing so! You are a brilliant woman, I enjoy your blog so much!
I guess my version of simplicity would be sitting down and enjoying an evening after a hard productive days work.
I'm so glad you learned this as a young mother. I love to wash dishes by hand, fold laundry, garden, sew,cook with the family, read with grandchildren and study great books.
Hmmm. That is a very good question. I have been pondering that all day and I think it will make a great blog post!
This is one of your best blogs Aimee! I loved the beautiful pictures, as always, but the words are even more beautiful!You are a gifted writer:)
To me living simply is not allowing possessions or activities to become the priorities of our life (which should be God & family). Remembering that all possessions (and some activities too) equate to time away from our family in order to earn the money to buy them and then many require more time to maintain them. This does not mean that all modern technology is wrong (I happen to like my washer, drier, dishwasher, PC and a few other things as they make my life easier and give me more time to spend on my priorities), but every family has to decide-to choose-what adds to their burdens and what adds to their quality of life.
And it is not rushing through our days so much that we miss the small blessings God places in our lives–a baby's sweet smile, the beauty of a new blossom, a bird's (or seagull's) call, the power of a storm over a mountain, the fragile beauty of a snowflake. In other words enjoying the garden God meant for us to enjoy and the family He has given to us.
Blessings, Aimee
PS: Sorry about the long answer.
I meant posts not blogs. Sorry about that but I like your blog very much too:)
Aimee
I have a hard time with simplicity sometimes. I have to re-evaluate and re-simplify. To me simplicity is finding joy in the journey. The other day we had to run around on errands. I switched off the radio and the kids and I took turns picking songs to sing. What is normally hectic became simple and fun.
Simplicity…That really does seem to be on everyone's mind these days.
For me it be the slower pace in life, not keeping up with the hustle and bustle. Living and enjoying the simple morals, values, principles,ethics, & tradtions people have forgotten today.
Thanks for sharing, and have a lovely day.
Blessings.