Simple living… 

With a new year upon us and our hopes, dreams, and aspirations are high. We set new goals and affirm new possibilities for our futures, for our family, and for our homes.

And then…somewhere along the year, what were real, true convictions for what we want to accomplish like build the vacation home on that gorgeous lot we’ve had for years, renovate our kitchen or finally get our home organized, well they all fall to the wayside before we’ve accomplished them.

Sound familiar? 

I know it does. And I know what that feeling feels like because it happens to each and every one of us in different areas of our lives — year after year. 

Ya know what boo, that’s ok. I’m not giving you permission not to accomplish what you set out to — I’m giving you permission to continue to try. To fill your time + invest in what really matters to you.

For many of our Elegant Simplicity tribe, that’s the core of what we do… inspire you to live simpler. Hence the name, “Elegant Simplicity” *wink* 

But simple living has a different meaning for everyone… so, what’s it mean to you? Let's dive in, find out + grow together.

What Is Simple Living?

Rereading that last sentence, “simple living has a different meaning for everyone” well that’s amazing right? Because for you and I, simple living can mean two vastly different things and yet they can both be perfectly fine definitions.

So, what is simple living then?

For John + I, simple living is spending our time doing the things in life that are important to us. That’s it. That’s all. That’s my definition for ya *wink*

But what simple living actually encompasses inside of that is SO much of what drives us to do the things we do. It’s creating space in our home for a lifetime of our own memories. And it’s helping our clients do the same. 

Sometimes those memories are going to be the simplicity of morning tea by the fireplace. A simple movie night. And other times simple living is going to be in having enough room for a large family gathering. 

For some, simple living is about eliminating friction + seeking help in the areas of their life (and their homes) where they don’t know how and don't have the time to fail over and over again. 

Where they don’t want to waste the money trying it on their own and not liking the end result. 

Where they want a clear path — and a direct path to success.

Wikipedia defines simple living as “…decluttering your belongings” and our good pal, Mr. Webster, defines simple living in a similar way of “...owning less.”

While I don’t disagree with those interpretations, what we believe at Elegant Simplicity is that home is everything you need + nothing more. And simple living is the same. It’s what you “need.”

If that’s minimalism to you, so be it. Then Wikipedia + Mr. Webster’s definitions apply to you. But… if that is luxury organizing, finishes, furniture or artwork throughout your home — so be it too. 

Simple living is accomplished by doing + having all the things that are important to you.

And sometimes that’s decluttering your existing home. 

And other times, it’s building a second or third home. 

But ultimately, simple living is knowing what you value. And then, filling your life up with that rather than what some shelter magazine says is trendy or some influencer says worked for them.

Where To Start With Simple Living?

The short answer is… well, there’s no short and easy way to live simply (at all times). And that’s because we live in a modern world with more conveniences and things accessible to us than any other time in human history. 

We can buy something right now + have it delivered to our doorstep within an hour. That’s the entire business model for Instacart + Ubereats *wink* 

And so simple living is not an easy feat to accomplish when you lack clarity for what you truly want and are also surrounded by impulse. 

Simple living isn’t something you can impulsively have, it’s something you create for yourself. And that’s not easy to come to grips with. 

Simple living is a journey — one worth investing in — but it’s not an easy process nor a finished state of living. 

Like home, it’s continuous. Where the process + journey towards simple living fills you up. It makes you excited + eager. Because the idea of creating a home + life where what you have is all that you need is an amazing journey.

A Few Steps Towards Identifying Simple Living… For Yourself

Whether you’re a design or organizing member or a dedicated reader of the blog, any process worth investing in begins by getting really clear on two things: identifying what matters + ridding the rest.

Identifying What Matters Most

Identifying what matters most to you is the real foundation for simple living. It’s looking around at your home and your life + being comfortable enough to say — I value that. I want to do more or have more of that. 

Some of those things that we hear often related to home are: 

• a place for everything + everything in its place

• a space where my kids want to hang out because they feel at home there

• investing in quality that will stand the test of time

Doing this kind of assessment on yourself (+ for your home) isn’t easy but it's worth it in the long run. Once you know + understand what you value, those impulse buys don't feel so “impulsive” because you’re reminded of what matters to you.

Having this kind of clarity in your principles, not just for your home, but also with your time acts as a guiding beacon to ensure you’re working closer towards the things you truly want in life.

Ridding The Rest.

The second step towards simple living is ridding yourself of the rest. We’ve talked about how identifying what matters most to you helps keep you conscientious of how you're investing time + money. 

However, ridding yourself of the rest is looking at the things you already have — things on your calendar + things in your home and determining what’s not worth holding on to.

Look around your home right now. Pull up your calendar. Jog your memory.

• What do you see that you wish you could do less of? 

• What do you dread or feel frustrated about having to do? 

• What are you avoiding or procrastinating on?

Those are the things worth considering how you might get rid of them.

But that’s a huge task. 

I don’t say that to overwhelm you but it’s important that you keep in mind this is not a light switch where you suddenly flick it one way + suddenly you’ve changed. 

Simple living is a process of discovery + growth.

Ridding your home + your life of the unnecessary is simply the journey you’re on. 

And as long as you get started — you’ll be 1% better today than you were yesterday.

Two Massively Important Tips For Living A Simpler Life

There are two things that get in our way of simple living. They stop us in our tracks + keep us from feeling any sense of accomplishment. 

I wish I had more time to do…

If you want more time to do the things that matter most then you should be asking yourself — 

How do I get more time to do those things? 

We all have 24 hours in a day. As cliche as that sounds, it’s the truth. And how you’re spending your time matters. 

So ask yourself, what can I remove from my life (for a season or forever) that will create the space necessary for me to live the way I hope to?

If you want to live in an organized home then you have to make room for the time that’s necessary to really allow that process to unfold. 

Sometimes we struggle with time because we have an inability to say no to things or to others. So learn to say no to the things you don’t want to do. 

And other instances of “I wish I had more time” come from being unclear about your priorities. So… you guessed it: identify what matters most to you.

I can’t because…

Simple living can often feel unobtainable or elusive because we put limitations on ourselves. That we’re not worthy because… 

• we have young kids with lots of toys

• we have hectic schedules

• we’ve already tried, invested a lot of time, energy and money but failed

I said it at the very beginning of this rant on simple living :) but I’m going to say it again… I’m giving you permission to continue to try + to not be perfect in the process. To fill your time + invest in what truly matters to you. 

Do not put those limiters on what you’re capable of doing. The reality is you are worth it. Your kids are worth it. Your time is worth it. And certainly, being more conscientious of how you invest in your home is worth it.

At Elegant Simplicity, we never fall short, especially when it comes to dishing out tips to understand what simple living really is. However, the reality is my friend, like home… simple living is a continuous journey that takes time.

Which is why, if you’re in the preliminary planning stages of decluttering + organizing or designing your home, then let’s chat. 

P.S. If you loved this article then you’re going to really enjoy the4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home.