Hello, again. Time for another post. Continuing with the Summer of Change, this time I am talking about Simplicity. Simplicity, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded. Really, life being simple, uncomplicated, uncompounded? Yeah right, easier said than done. But it can be done.
From almost birth, we have been conditioned to accept that change usually means things are going to get real complicated, real intense, real fast. Very seldom does change mean the opposite. Very seldom does change mean streamlining in the truest sense. Change comes in all shapes and sizes, in all forms or in all fashions. Change can be good and change can be bad (oh so very bad). Above all, Change is constant, fluid, and ever changing.
That being the case, change can be molded to fit any situation and any purpose. When it comes simplifying life, change is what you make it. We control how simple we want things to be. For example, if we are in a relationship that is not beneficial to BOTH parties then the simple thing to do is to change the situation. Change the relationship. Simply put make things less stressful, less difficult, less complicated and simpler.
Just like the squeaky wheel that gets the grease, instead of getting torn apart and rebuilt only to have the squeak return, taking the simplest approach is usually the most effective, most efficient, and ultimately, the most lasting change.
Now how does this apply to simplifying life and sustaining that simplicity? Simple, make that conscious effort to make simplicity and simplification part of your world. Seek out those things in your life that is “over-stuffed.” The stuff that is bursting at the seams with complexities and start slimming them down. A sort of “spring cleaning” if you will. Of course, as humans it is in our nature to break things down and build them up again (hopefully building back up with a different set of complexities), then only to recognize that we have to simplify that which has become complicated, yet again. That’s OK, there is no need for concern because it is expected. The concern should be taken if what is rebuilt starts to look exactly like what was just recently removed. Then you have the “moth to the flame” syndrome kicks in and that is just crazy. Silly people thinking that the same conditions will yield different results.
Remember, that every time you work towards simplification you are also working towards making your life less cumbersome. In the end, who needs to be lugging around all that complicated baggage? Seriously? Really! Who needs it?
From almost birth, we have been conditioned to accept that change usually means things are going to get real complicated, real intense, real fast. Very seldom does change mean the opposite. Very seldom does change mean streamlining in the truest sense. Change comes in all shapes and sizes, in all forms or in all fashions. Change can be good and change can be bad (oh so very bad). Above all, Change is constant, fluid, and ever changing.
That being the case, change can be molded to fit any situation and any purpose. When it comes simplifying life, change is what you make it. We control how simple we want things to be. For example, if we are in a relationship that is not beneficial to BOTH parties then the simple thing to do is to change the situation. Change the relationship. Simply put make things less stressful, less difficult, less complicated and simpler.
Just like the squeaky wheel that gets the grease, instead of getting torn apart and rebuilt only to have the squeak return, taking the simplest approach is usually the most effective, most efficient, and ultimately, the most lasting change.
Now how does this apply to simplifying life and sustaining that simplicity? Simple, make that conscious effort to make simplicity and simplification part of your world. Seek out those things in your life that is “over-stuffed.” The stuff that is bursting at the seams with complexities and start slimming them down. A sort of “spring cleaning” if you will. Of course, as humans it is in our nature to break things down and build them up again (hopefully building back up with a different set of complexities), then only to recognize that we have to simplify that which has become complicated, yet again. That’s OK, there is no need for concern because it is expected. The concern should be taken if what is rebuilt starts to look exactly like what was just recently removed. Then you have the “moth to the flame” syndrome kicks in and that is just crazy. Silly people thinking that the same conditions will yield different results.
Remember, that every time you work towards simplification you are also working towards making your life less cumbersome. In the end, who needs to be lugging around all that complicated baggage? Seriously? Really! Who needs it?
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Daisy Photo Credit: KKIMPEL on FLICKR (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kkimpel/2877860110/)
