Simplicity

Simplicity

I am not sure what simplicity has to do with midlife…maybe it is the antidote or response to 40, 50, 60 years of living and the stuff one has collected along the way. Be it physical, mental, or emotional. Regardless, I find it is something I have been thinking about recently.

In the same way I have been craving more peace, calm, and stillness in my life, as I wrote about last week, I find I now desire more simplicity in my life.

While this notion of simplicity has been lurking beneath the surface for a while, I recently felt this desire more intensely upon my return from vacation. I went to unpack my suitcases, 2 carry-on sized pieces, which had clothed me sufficiently for two weeks. Two weeks which included a bike trip, hiking, time in a city, as well as time at the beach. I had everything I needed and in fact didn’t wear a couple of things because it was too hot. I’m not saying I didn’t crave a little more variety, but I had everything I needed.

As I searched for hangers in my jam-packed closet (yes, I love clothes), I couldn’t help but think, do I really need all these clothes? Yes, Geoff, I really did ask the question!

However, the real question is what do I truly need to live my best life? And how do I find the courage to get rid of all the rest. It means determining what all the stuff in my life adds or means. To my identity, my sense of self, my values, and my purpose?

What is gained by simplicity?

Only by answering these questions can I simplify my life.

And the rewards in doing so are substantial. In living more simply, I can be more present, have more clarity and freedom across every aspect of my life, and give more attention to the people I love. It means being open to new experiences and having the capacity for continued growth.

I imagine I will also have more time, more money, more peace, and less distractions.

Seems like a worthwhile pursuit.

What does simplicity look like?

When I think of simplicity, I think of a good hotel room. It contains everything one might need but nothing more. It is clutter free and serves its purpose.

Simplicity is freedom from comparison. Freedom from the weight and burden of useless physical objects. Freedom from unnecessary complexity. It is freedom from holding on to things that do not matter and creating more room for that which does.   

It is a calendar not cluttered with commitments. It is more time to spend with people I like and in pursuit of activities I enjoy.

It feels like lightness and ease. It is spending less time managing the infrastructure of my life and more time experiencing life.

Simplicity is embodied by a less is more approach.

I believe I will have found simplicity when I regularly feel joy as I move through my life. If only I had understood the wisdom of enjoy the simple things in life, a little earlier.

What gets in the way of simplicity?

While somewhat extreme, I have this fantasy of my house burning down (no one getting hurt of course) and getting to start all over. I would only buy the absolute essentials, nothing more.

Everywhere I turn I am bombarded by “things” I supposedly need or claim to be worthy of my attention. Décor for my house, clothes, the latest workout, the newest food or condiment I need to try. Or messages proclaiming a successful, happy life is found in a full calendar, tons of friends, a huge network, an inbox full of articles to read, a library of podcasts to listen to…the list goes on and on. Always more.

Complexity comes in many forms. Take information for example. Why do we feel the need or the expectation to consume so much information? As if a full inbox is not enough, what about the apps to save information for future consumption. The reality is we probably never will go back and read those articles and they just accumulate as digital clutter.

Or take networking. How many of us feel the need to have a huge number of contacts on LinkedIn because it is a sign of how connected or how successful you are as a person. Now if you are a recruiter, like one of my dear friends, then a large network makes sense. It supports a bigger purpose. For the rest of us, I really don’t know. Is it just another amorphous way to feel important? And if you don’t have a larger number of contacts, does it mean you are insignificant or less worthy?

Many of the areas which we turn our attention to each day are distractions. A way to get a little hit of dopamine. To somehow make ourselves feel better, more important, more fashionable, smarter, cooler. Whatever it is we might feel we are lacking.

Simplicity and a values-based life

Embracing simplicity means living a values driven, intentional life. It is about finding and aligning around purpose.

As the author of the Wellness Wisdom newsletter wrote, “the endless pursuits for happiness external to yourself like possessions, approval, awards…never bring lasting happiness.”

So, think carefully before cluttering up your life as you pursue your dreams, goals, and desires. Instead turn your focus to living a life aligned with your values and seeking greater purpose.

Parting Thought

I hope to find the courage to embrace simplicity. To unwind the complexity of 52 years of living on this planet. Perhaps the first step is recognizing the moments when I am about to add something to my life and ask, “Does it align with my values?” “Am I being intentional with this addition?” “Do the pros outweigh the cons?”

See you next week…