Embracing Simplicity: Letting Go of Excess for a Fuller Life

Are you like us…looking around and wondering where did all of this stuff even came from? How did it get here? And what are we going to do with it now?? We are on a mission to embrace simplicity and let go of the excess so that we can live life to the fullest in the ways that really matter most to us.

In our fast-paced world, it’s SO easy to accumulate more than we need—more stuff, more commitments, more stress. But what if we took a step back and embraced a simpler way of living?

What if letting go of the excess can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful life?

Living simply isn’t about doing without; it’s about making room for what truly matters. When I clear out the clutter, both physical and mental, I create space for joy, creativity, and meaningful connections. Which is what really makes me feel the most alive!

1. Less Stress: The amount of physical “stuff” around me…whether it’s a mess, or just too much of everything…is absolutely tied to how cluttered my mind feels. Every time I purge the house- load up the car for Goodwill- and sit and look at the clean open spaces I feel so much less stressed!

2. More Time: Time isn’t just spent by overcommitting and filling our schedules with so much that there’s no time for rest or peace… But it’s also about the amount of time it takes to deal with all the physical “stuff” we have. It takes time to clean it, time to organize it, time to get rid of it… It’s all time! When I’m not constantly managing our possessions or overcommitting our schedules, I free up time for the things I love—my family, hobbies, or simply relaxing. 

3. Financial Freedom: This is one that I’m constantly focusing on- especially in this economy! Cutting back on unnecessary purchases can lead to significant savings. By saving on all the things I didn’t really need anyway- I have more savings and special times for our family.

Here are some practical steps to help us get started: 

1. Declutter Your Space: Begin with one room or even one drawer. Sort through your belongings and ask yourself if each item adds value to your life. Donate, recycle, or discard anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy. 

2. Evaluate Your Commitments: Take a look at your calendar. Are there activities or obligations that no longer align with your priorities? It’s okay to say no and make space for what truly matters. For example, if your family time is most important to you… then instead of feeling guilty about saying no to things- think of it as protecting that precious family time and not allowing it to be stolen from you all!

3. Practice Mindful Consumption: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it’s something you truly need. Consider the impact of your consumption on your environment and your well-being. The question I keep asking is “am I going to be upset with how much I’ve spent on this when I throw it away later?”

4. Digital Detox: Our digital lives can be just as cluttered as our physical spaces. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, organize your files, and set boundaries for screen time to create a healthier relationship with technology. All of our digital devices have timers…set one and then when it goes off step away and go do something else.

5. Embrace Gratitude: Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Practicing gratitude can shift your mindset and help you appreciate the simple pleasures in life. I do this by journaling…it helps me to not only focus on all of our blessings…but as I flip back through the pages of my journal, I can see the faithfulness of God to us over and over and over again!

Here are a few ways to incorporate simplicity into our spiritual journey: 

• Daily Devotionals: Set aside time each day for prayer and reflection. This can be a powerful way to center your mind and heart on what truly matters…but don’t make it complicated. It can be as simple as waking up each morning and before you do anything else praying and thanking God for giving you another day, for your family, and for His sovereignty.

• Community and Service: Focus on building meaningful relationships and serving others. Acts of kindness and service really bring us joy and fulfillment. The thing here is being intentional about it… put it on a calendar if you need to so that everyone is aware and can be involved.

• Sabbath Rest: The Fourth Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy” was not a suggestion from God – it was not something He thought would just be nice if we could find the time to do it. It was a commandment because God knew that it was best for us… and we should trust the One who made us and follow his commands because they are for our good.

Living a simpler life is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making intentional choices that align with our values and bring us closer to the life we desire. Remember, it’s okay to start small and make gradual changes.

Let’s embrace the beauty of less and discover the abundance it brings together. We’ll be looking at each of these areas more closely in the coming weeks. 🌿