Simplicity

“Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!  . . . We are happy in proportion to the things we can do without.”  – Henry David Thoreau

Simplifying one’s life sure has been a trend – I bet there are a bazillion bloggers writing about how they’re living more simply. There are so many books on simplifying this and that, and a fascinating magazine about simplicity that reassures you through advertising that you can indeed purchase your way to simple living.  Not that I don’t love to page through said magazine when I find a copy somewhere.

I’m not really an expert, but simplicity is a state I seek, at varying levels of intensity, depending on my current mood and situation.  I don’t have plans to reduce my possessions to 100 or less, although I have been blindingly happy hiking for months with just a tent, sleeping bag, one set of clothes, a stove and some food.  I don’t eschew fashion completely, but I buy most of my clothes at the thrift store.  I don’t consider myself particularly frugal- I love a bottle of wine, nice chocolate, treats from Whole Foods, but I know how to have a good time with very little money.

I’m getting to the point where free time is more important to me than more cash.  I’m realizing that one of the things that makes us complicate things for ourselves is fear.  A lot of fear of not having enough, either now or in the future.  So one of my best strategies for simplicity is remembering, as often as possible, that I have enough – more than enough!  I’m a lucky girl.  And I try to remember to honor and celebrate the rich life I’m blessed to have.