Living simply and beautifully is more than just a lifestyle choice, it’s an art form. And like any art form, it comes with its own set of rules.
The secret to a simple and beautiful life often lies in what you avoid rather than what you pursue. It’s about sidestepping certain complications that can make life more difficult than it needs to be.
Those who’ve mastered the art of simple living tend to steer clear of these unnecessary complications. And I believe we can all learn something from their wisdom.
So here are 9 things those living simply and beautifully tend to avoid. Let’s dive in and uncover these secrets together.
1) Unnecessary possessions
Living simply often starts with decluttering our surroundings. But beyond just a cleaner living space, there’s a deeper philosophy at play.
Those who live simply and beautifully understand that possessions can often weigh us down more than they lift us up. They know that having more things doesn’t necessarily equate to more happiness. In fact, it often leads to the opposite.
Let’s call it the clutter conundrum. The more possessions you have, the more time, energy, and resources you need to maintain them. And that can lead to stress and complications that could easily be avoided.
So if you’re looking to simplify your life, start by reducing the number of unnecessary possessions you have. It’s not about living with the bare minimum. It’s about keeping only what truly adds value to your life.
Remember, simplicity isn’t about scarcity. It’s about clarity and focus. It’s about making room for what’s truly important by letting go of what’s not.
2) Over-commitment
I used to be a chronic over-committer. My calendar was always packed with meetings, events, and social gatherings. I thought I was being productive and social, but in reality, I was just exhausting myself.
People who live simply understand the value of time and the importance of not spreading oneself too thin. They know that saying ‘yes’ to everything means saying ‘no’ to something else – usually rest, relaxation, or personal growth.
I learned this the hard way. I was always on the go, rushing from one commitment to another. But I wasn’t really present in any of them. I was perpetually tired and felt like I was missing out on my own life.
It wasn’t until I started saying ‘no’ more often that I began to reclaim my time and energy. I started prioritizing what was truly important to me and let go of the rest.
The result? A simpler, happier, and less stressful life. So take it from me, avoid over-committing yourself. It’s one of the best ways to live simply and beautifully.
3) Living beyond means
In an age where credit is easily accessible, it’s not uncommon for people to live way beyond their means. But those who live simply and beautifully understand the importance of staying within their financial capacity.
There’s a saying in Sweden called “Lagom” which translates to “just the right amount”. This concept is deeply ingrained in their culture and applies to everything from the food they eat to the homes they live in. It encourages balance and discourages excess.
Living beyond your means can lead to debt, stress, and a host of other complications. On the other hand, living within your means, even if it’s less than what society might deem acceptable, leads to peace, freedom, and a simple, beautiful life.
“Lagom” might be a Swedish concept, but its wisdom is universal. If you want to avoid unnecessary complications, consider applying this ‘just right’ approach to your own life.
4) Comparing to others
Comparing ourselves to others is a habit most of us are guilty of. With the rise of social media, it’s become even easier to peek into others’ lives and feel inadequate about our own. But those who live simply and beautifully understand the futility of these comparisons.
The fact is, everyone’s life is unique, with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Comparing your life to someone else’s is like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t make sense.
Moreover, comparisons often lead to envy, dissatisfaction, and a constant chase for more. This not only complicates our lives but also robs us of our peace and happiness.
So, instead of comparing, try celebrating your own journey. Revel in your own achievements, however small they may be. Recognize your growth and embrace your uniqueness. This is a surefire way to live a simple, beautiful life free of unnecessary complications.
5) Neglecting self-care
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to put ourselves last. We tend to prioritize work, family, and other obligations over our own well-being. But those who live simply and beautifully know that self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Neglecting your physical, emotional, and mental well-being can lead to burnout, health problems, and overall unhappiness. On the other hand, taking time for yourself – whether it’s to exercise, meditate, or just relax – can rejuvenate you and make you more efficient in the long run.
So don’t neglect self-care. Make it a priority. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking care of yourself first, you’ll be better equipped to handle life’s challenges and live simply and beautifully.
6) Holding onto grudges
Life is too short and too beautiful to be clouded by resentment. Those who live simply and beautifully understand that holding onto grudges only complicates life, creating unnecessary emotional baggage.
Grudges tie us to the past and prevent us from moving forward. They consume our thoughts and emotions, robbing us of our peace and happiness. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere we go – it just weighs us down.
On the other hand, forgiveness sets us free. It allows us to let go of the past and open our hearts to new possibilities. It lightens our load, making our journey through life smoother and more enjoyable.
So let’s choose to forgive, not for the sake of the person who wronged us, but for our own well-being. Because by releasing the pain of the past, we open ourselves up to the beauty of the present – and that’s where a simple, beautiful life truly lies.
7) Being too busy to enjoy the present moment
There was a time when I was so caught up in my to-do list that I barely noticed the world around me. I was constantly planning for the future or revisiting the past, forgetting to enjoy the present moment.
Those who live simply and beautifully, however, are well aware of the power of now. They understand that life is happening in this very moment and not in some distant future.
Being too busy to enjoy the present moment robs us of the joy and beauty life has to offer. It makes us perpetual passengers in our own lives, always rushing towards some destination and never really enjoying the journey.
But when we slow down and take in the world around us, we start to appreciate the simple pleasures of life – a beautiful sunset, a conversation with a loved one, or even just a quiet cup of tea. We start living more fully, more beautifully.
So let’s put down our to-do lists for a moment and just be. Let’s savor the present moment, for it’s all we really have.
8) Fear of change
Change is an inevitable part of life. Yet, many of us fear it, viewing it as a threat rather than an opportunity for growth. But those who live simply and beautifully have learned to embrace change, rather than resist it.
Fear of change can hold us back and complicate our lives. It can keep us stuck in situations that no longer serve us, preventing us from moving forward.
On the other hand, embracing change allows us to grow and evolve. It opens up new possibilities and experiences that can enrich our lives in ways we never imagined.
So instead of fearing change, let’s welcome it. Let’s see it as an exciting adventure, a chance to learn and grow. After all, a simple and beautiful life is not about staying in one place, but about moving forward with grace and resilience.
9) Pursuit of perfection
Perfection is an illusion. It’s an unattainable standard that only leads to stress, disappointment, and unnecessary complications. Those who live simply and beautifully understand this. They know that life is not about achieving perfection, but about embracing our imperfections and turning them into strengths.
Chasing perfection can make us lose sight of what’s truly important. It can make us overlook the beauty in our flaws, the lessons in our mistakes, and the growth in our struggles.
So let’s let go of the pursuit of perfection. Let’s embrace our perfectly imperfect selves and live life on our own terms. Because a simple, beautiful life is not about being perfect, it’s about being real.
Embracing simplicity
Life is inherently complex, filled with a myriad of experiences, emotions, and connections. But amidst this complexity, there’s an intrinsic beauty in simplicity.
The Japanese concept of “Shibui” encapsulates this idea perfectly. It refers to a particular aesthetic of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty. One that values the depth and quality of an experience over superficial flashiness.
People who live simply and beautifully are often those who have mastered the art of “Shibui”. They’ve learned to navigate life’s complexities by focusing on what truly matters, avoiding unnecessary complications along the way.
Whether it’s decluttering your space, embracing change, letting go of grudges, or just being present in the moment – each step towards simplicity adds to the richness of our lives.
Remember, living simply doesn’t mean living without. It means living with intentionality and mindfulness. It’s about making conscious choices that align with our true selves, creating a life that’s not just simple and beautiful, but also deeply fulfilling.
As we journey through life, may we all find our own unique path towards simplicity. A path that’s not dictated by societal expectations or comparisons, but one that resonates with our own definition of a simple and beautiful life.
