Choosing to Live Simple

How to live simple. I recently listened to a podcast where the hosts were discussing stress levels today vs. the stress levels of generations past. These two women, having already raised their families, talked about how life seemed more stressful now, even though they weren’t in the thick of motherhood, simply for the fact that they had more stuff, more options, and more decisions to make about their stuff and options. 

I had already been chewing on this topic, somewhat inadvertently, but when I heard it spoken,

 

I had a little fit of epiphany.

 

When we made our big move this past summer, we downsized from a house of about 3,000 square feet to right around 1,000. There was a point it seemed that we had more stuff in the garage than we did in the house. It was humbling to look at that pile in the garage and know that we had accumulated this mound of possessions that in reality, we could live without.

Meanwhile, our little family started settling into our smaller house while our pile of stuff sat in the garage. Life felt lighter. Literally. It was like a burden was lifted off of me. Less stuff, less options, less decisions, less stress. I was really enjoying my new found freedom, and I found myself in no rush to find a home for the things in the garage.

I would open a box and realize I could live my entire life without this stuff and be just as happy.

 

So I’ve started letting it go…

 

I thought it would be fun to do a series on living simply, as we navigate through some of these ideas as a family. Decluttering, downsizing, diy’s, money-savers, cloth-diapering, things of that nature. I haven’t decided how long it’s going to be, but I have a pretty good list of topics to choose from. I’ll post something for this series probably once a week and I will identify the post accordingly. I hope it is something that you, my readers, will enjoy along with me.

 

 

In what ways do you live simple?

 

 

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30 Comments

  1. I love this Jessica. Super excited about what you have to share with us?. The older I get, the more I realize how much stuff is not the root to my joy. We did the same move last year as well. Bought a huge “All American” Texas style house but quickly realized how empty we felt in it. Sold the thing and down sized to a much, much smaller house that is really cozy in my opinion. We are in each other’s faces all the time (something I am loving). We are debt free except for a house that we hope to ( buy a little land and build super small) in a couple of years God willing. Thank you again Jessica!. I absolutely admire your wisdom ?.

  2. We love the simple life. Just last week, a friend was commenting on how she is tired of always feeling poor. I didn’t say anything, but considering this came after a conversation where she told me she was exhausted from running her kids into town four days a week for swimming, dance, sports, etc; and just after she told me they’d spent $250 to book tickets to a kid’s stage show; and that her husband might have to quit his job because he wasn’t sure his boss would give him six weeks of leave for a family vacation; I kind of thought, You don’t feel poor because you don’t make enough money, you feel poor because you want to live big.

    I’m pretty sure most people think we’re poor. I’m fine with that. Living simply meant that, two years ago, when my job fell in a heap and they tried to force me into a position that was legally and morally compromising, I could walk away rather than put up with it because we needed the money. Being able to maintain my integrity, and knowing I don’t have to choose between that or feeding my kids, is the epitome of empowerment.

    1. wow! I bet that was a big life change, but like you said empowering. I think choosing to live simple is very empowering. It takes some intentionality, but I think thats a good thing. Thanks for sharing!

    2. “being broke is a temporary situation. Being poor is a state of mind”. Mike Todd. Most people want more so they can increase their spending/wants. Not out of necessity. I think we often misuse the word “poor”. Thanks Becca for sharing on here.

      1. Yes – great quote. Some people really don’t make enough money to make ends meet. I feel for them. But some are choosing to be poor by their own actions or inactions. And not all of them are low income, I know people on six figures who consider themselves poor because they spend all their money. If you have sufficient for your needs, you’re doing okay. (And differentiating between wants and needs is important too!)

  3. It’s funny that you decided to write about this. The past week or so, I’ve been trying to get rid of a lot of stuff I don’t need.?

  4. Hi Jessica, that is a big downsize from 3000 sq ft. With kids we aquire a lot of stuff in a period of time. I know we have a lot of stuff right now that when the kids grow we can remove . We are finished having kids, stopping at 4! I don’t need a lot of stuff personally to be happy, My family are what is important , its all we need. I listen to relevant radio sometimes weekdays, and they say one of the big tragedies is all the storage units that pop up so people can store their stuff . I know some are legitimate reasons , but so much could be done if that stuff was donated to the poor in our society. We get so much joy from giving to others! You are so welcome Jessica regarding your blog! You have a positive uplifting blog that we need in a time of negativity. I always look for the light . Big hugs to you Dear, and have a great weekend, love, Terri.

  5. Life is amazing with less stuff! Thankfully the benefit of moving so much is that you throw things our along the way …..need to minimize even more 🙂

  6. Love this! I am a minimalist at heart. If I haven’t used something in the past 3-4 years I don’t keep it. The problem is my other half (and his parents) are the complete opposite of me. At least he stores it all far way in his parent’s house and a three car garage they call the “Litz-sonian.” Someday I’ll have to go through all that. I’m not to think about it. Currently, we are both pretty good at minimizing what we chose to collect in our own house. Even so, I want to purge and simplify a LOT more. Your blog ideas are coming at a perfect time for me. It’s the beginning of a new year and I’m also nesting. Look out! lol. I’m so excited for this Spring!!!! Also can’t wait to read more of your story and tips on this journey. Miss you dear friend!

    Here is what I’ve been working on…

    This Week:
    – Created two capsule wardrobes: One for the last three months of this pregnancy and one for the post-baby recovery summer/fall season.
    – Started a list of clothing pieces I plan to keep or need to find to create a capsule I’ll be happy with for the next few years.
    – Downsized the contents of my kitchen cupboards and donated a lot of dishes and “stuff” we don’t need or use.
    – Donated 3 large bags of women’s clothing
    – Cleaned out three of six closets.
    – Organized the kid’s craft and school stuff.

    Next Week’s List:
    – Go through all the kids’ clothes and shoes
    – Finish the other 3 closets.
    – Organize the pantry.
    – Clear out the junk drawer.
    – Better organize and simplify my art, sewing, and soap making supplies.

    Plan for March:
    – Deep clean – everything.
    – Go through the kids’ toys.
    – Purge unnecessary baby stuff/Organize and simplify the nursery.

    1. You want to come over to my house? 😉 you are on it, girl! yeah, we are really enjoying the simplified version of us. We still have a long way to go, but I think we are headed in a good direction. Some of your to-do list has sparked a couple more ideas of things I can do, thank you! Hope you are feeling well. Miss you and your sweet family. <3

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