How We Are Living A Simpler Life

Although living simply is second nature to us, we do not live a spartan lifestyle. Neatness and order are very important to me and I do declutter and organize on a regular basis, but I am not a fan of extreme purging, and I do not like the minimalist look. We have many family antiques and a few collections and other “things” scattered throughout the house, and I believe these homey touches add character to a room. We also have books. We are all voracious readers and over the years we have gathered together a large library of books that we go back to again and again. I do not believe that purging any of these items from my life would make me a freer or happier person… quite the contrary, in fact. But that’s me (us).

I think the most wonderful thing about voluntary simplicity is that it means different things to different people. There is no one way to do it right. Everybody has a different concept of how they want to live and what will make them happy. For us, the important things are our faith, our children, our family and friends, and our home. We know that we need to live close to nature and that we like privacy and solitude. We find working hard and tackling seemingly impossible projects to be both satisfying and fulfilling. Most of all, we enjoy each other’s company and working and spending time together.

Our version of voluntary simplicity probably is not right for you, but it is worth some soul searching and trial and error to find the lifestyle that IS your right “fit”. Then purge those things that make you stressed and unhappy, and bring into your life those things that have meaning and bring you peace and fulfillment. Once you figure out what is really important to you and what you need… and then use that knowledge to restructure YOUR life… that’s when voluntary simplicity really works.

Written by Shirley | Filed Under Personal, Simple Living, Voluntary Simplicity

Related posts:

• What Voluntary Simplicity Is NOT
• Some Thoughts About Voluntary Simplicity
• When Voluntary Simplicity Really “Works”
• Decluttering and Purging
• Living Frugally Without Feeling Deprived
• Being Sensible About Frugality
• Learning To Slow Down
• What True Frugality Is… and What It Is Not