One reason why we find ourselves back at the store again, even after we’ve simplified our wardrobes, is that our clothes are so cheaply made, they hardly last through the season, much less a year. When I think back to buying even a basic t-shirt at Kohl’s ten years ago, I recall how much better […]
Simplicity
26 Steps to Simplicity: Peace and Quiet
Dr. Leo Marvin: I want some peace and quiet! Bob Wiley: Well, I’ll be quiet. Siggy: I’ll be peace! From What About Bob? (Go here to watch the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TBHi9LcfN4) Peace and quiet are the precious by-products of simplicity. Once we have decluttered both our spaces and our schedules, we find more room in our […]
26 Steps to Simplicity: Ode to Simplicity
Slowing the pace Clearing the space Simplicity is the art of letting go No longer hurried Fewer cares, less worried Simplicity is the pathway to peace Breathing fresh air in Enjoying my children Simplicity is the feeling of freedom Love and joy abounding Grace and peace resounding Simplicity is the life of God in me […]
26 Steps to Simplicity: No
Learning to say “no” is integral to the joyfully simple life. We feel compelled to say “yes” by the fear of mising out (FOMO). It holds us captive to our phones, as we scroll insatiably through our social media channels. It sends us out to every social activity we’re invited to. It keeps us spellbound […]
26 Steps to Simplicity: More (Plus a Giveaway!)
Simplicity means less . . . and more. In fact, as the title of Joshua Becker’s newest book implies, simplicity is the discovery of The More of Less. For those of you who have been trekking along with me to today’s halfway point in this Blogging from A to Z Challenge, your commitment is about […]
26 Steps to Simplicity: Living Room
“One can furnish a room very luxuriously by taking out furniture rather than putting it in.” (Francis Jourdain, 1876) Over the past couple of years, we have remodeled our kitchen, living room, and the kids’ bedrooms. I have since been struggling with how to decorate these spaces. As an aspiring minimalist, I am trying to […]
26 Steps to Simplicity: Kindness
Kindness is an expression of simplicity. It costs us nothing to offer a genuine smile, warm greeting, or heartfelt thanks. Here is a list of 10 simple acts of kindness you can perform on any given day: Offer to return someone’s cart to the corral after they have loaded their groceries. Ask your cashier, waitress, […]
26 Steps to Simplicity: Joy (Ike)
I had the pleasure of going to a house concert last weekend. The featured artist was Joy Ike, a young woman with a rich, resonant voice and captivating presence. She exuded joy in keeping with her name, and her music, which she played on both keyboard and ukulele, held us in rapt attention for over […]
26 Steps to Simplicity: Intention
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 The word intention gets a bad rap, especially when paired with “good.” It implies that you mean well, but do nothing. However, to live with intention, or to be intent upon something, implies focus and determination, […]
26 Steps to Simplicity: Health
Achieving great health can be simple with a bit of forethought and pro-activity. What good is a lifetime of wealth and achievement if you don’t have the good health to enjoy it? When my husband David and I used to watch House Hunters on HGTV, he would frequently comment on this, noting those of retirement […]