Voices. Lists. Simple.
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In my weekly letter (you can sign up on the right over there) I asked my tribe to make a list, on a sticky note or for the fridge, of simple. The responses were so beautiful and inspired me to dig a little bit deeper into my simple. I am going to share some of these voices with you.
As we explore simple, think about what you are looking for in your life. Is it to make space for joy and purpose in your life, your health, even your relationships?
Starting with simple can challenge us. We say we want it, but what is it really? I want us to know.
From Sara:
::Putting my coffee mug and its matching lid, two bowls and two spoons (for my kids’ cereal), in the same spot in the very front of the dishwasher, so every morning I don’t have to hunt for them
From Elizabeth:
::Accept what is
::Help my kids be who they are, not who I want them to be
::Model self-control
::Breath
::Be in my body
::Nurture myself, do not wait/expect others to do it. Even if its Mothers Day. Especially if its Mothers Day. (can I just say, yes, yes, yes)
From Betsy: (read her whole list here)
::A chapter of Harry Potter – I try to read on the elliptical or treadmill most days
::Neti pot – this little thing has let me really breathe for the first time in years
::A love note from my husband – the other night he left a note on my pillow thanking me for all I do. Wow.
From Lisa:
::Soft and long embrace from my hubby. Let’s me know things are okay
::Kissing pecks from my babies, Kate and Jack, and how they laugh so hard kissing me on the cheek
From Rita:
::put my essentials in my jacket pocket instead of lugging around a purse
::pay attention to what I feel (how I feel is a first priority)
::breathe!
::see my kids the spiritual beings that they are
::slow down when I feel pressure
::get off the computer by 4pm and hang with my family
From Patrick, my guy:
::A cup of good coffee
::A good book
::Hannah's laugh
::Snuggling with Eli
My Simple 10
::Rain boots - took me years to buy some, now they make rainy days simple
::Hummus - bought from the store, I don't have to always make it
::A kiss - from or to someone
::Clean sheets - bringing so much joy and renewal
::Asking for help - it is so much harder to do it all without support
::Hot tea - I really could drink it hot and stop leaving it to get cold
::Tissues and toilet paper - having enough so they are there when I need them
::Making the bed - all of 2 minutes, right, and a whole lot of happiness
::Putting my keys in the same place every time - yep
::Feeling my feelings now, not later - I am going to keep learning this one over and over
Simple becomes a system, a rhythm that we must create. Sometimes simple is eliminating, often it is adding. Simple knows no limits, it can stretch its magic into places you never imagined it could go. If you let it.
Share your list in the comments with us.
Close your eyes for just a minute before you think of your simple and just let your mind be still. Chances are in the stillness you are going to get lots of simple.