The Simple Life Disclaimer
I will preface that this blog post topic has been and will be my hardest to write as it is a passion of mine as well as a constant struggle. It is a large topic and I have so much to say. Yet, it is a never-ending journey of making purposeful decisions and life choices all while fighting against a culture of ‘more’ and ‘not enough’.
Somedays I feel like a fish trying to swim in a river upstream, against the flow. I will do my best to organize my thoughts and control my ‘fire’. In this post, please feel free to comment below with questions or suggestions.
The Simple Life - Being Grounded in Your Roots
When I say ‘being grounded in your roots’ I am referring to embracing The Simple Life. The Simple Life is something I strive for. And I will clarify that although it’s called simple that doesn’t mean it is easy! In fact, many times it takes more time and energy. But I believe it is what is right, just, and serves our souls on a deeper level. I believe the simple life encompasses minimalism, sustainable and responsible living, and living in community.
In my journey towards becoming a Wholehearted Mom I have gained a deep appreciation for a minimal lifestyle for the sake of enjoying more of what matters to me and my family. This includes simplifying my home, time, and mindset.
I believe a Wholehearted mom is a homemaker. Home being the place where we feel safe, cared for and a sense of belonging. I am not referring to chores, housework, and Pinterest perfect super-mom.
As I work to embody homemaker, I have inquired a new passion for learning traditional skills such as knitting, baking from scratch, canning, sewing, and gardening. Not only do these skills help me to take care of my family well they also give me a therapeutic outlet. They allow me to be creative and teach me patience, focus, and dedication.
I also believe that a Wholehearted mom not only takes care of herself and her family, but also the earth she inhabits. She values all that mother earth blesses her with – food, fresh air, delight, and beauty.
And makes decisions and purchases that align with her value to be sustainable and responsible. #shoplocal
The Simple Life & Minimalism
What do you think about when you hear the term ‘minimalism’? Some of you may think of a new fad that everyone is talking about. And some may think of people who get rid of everything or live in tiny homes. While others may reflect upon ‘Pinterest perfect’ photos of houses beautifully decorated yet simple and clean.
I bet many of you think “wow, commendable decision, I don’t think I could do that”. For many becoming a minimalist seems unreachable or undesirable. This response makes perfect sense in a culture in which everything is disposable and replaceable and our purpose in life is self gratification and achieving great success.
I too got sucked in to this new fad called minimalism. I wanted to be a minimalist. The end goal looked so simple and freeing. However it also became the exact thing I was trying to replace. I became enslaved to the idealism of minimalism and lost sight of the beauty and peace found in the journey of minimalism.
I want to talk about minimalism as a journey instead of an end goal.
So, what then is the journey of minimalism?
The journey of minimalism encompasses depth, purpose, vulnerability, and joy.
"Minimalism is a journey towards living simply and purposefully so that you have the freedom to do more with less and focus on what is important in life." ( The Wholehearted Mom)
Minimalism actually gives you more, more…
- Emotional space to connect deeply in your relationships with others
- Time and resources to devote to the things and people you love,
- And the opportunity to experience joy and peace to the fullest as you place your happiness and worth in something more meaningful and live-giving as you intentionally care for the people and world – creation – around you.
All of this is done with less. Less destruction to the environment, less bondage to the consumer culture around you, less stuff, less stress, less business, and less baggage.
Yes, the journey of minimalism is hard, sometimes lonely and misunderstood but so worth it! The result? Indescribable freedom, and a purpose-drive life worth living!
The Minimalists
https://www.theminimalists.com/As The Minimalists would say, “Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom. Minimalism has helped us…
- Eliminate our discontent
- Reclaim our time
- Live in the moment
- Pursue our passions
- Discover our missions
- Experience real freedom
- Create more, consume less
- Focus on our health
- Grow as individuals
- Contribute beyond ourselves
- Rid ourselves of excess stuff
- Discover purpose in our lives
Is The Simple Life for you?
so, I ask you…. What is important to you? What brings you joy? What do you wish you had more time for? What stresses and overwhelms you? Could you find freedom in doing more with less?
I invite you to join me on this journey mama. This journey of rock climbs and mudslides, of mountains, and valleys, and of depth, peace, and pure joy.
I hope to use this platform as a way to share what we’ve learned, meet other moms in their ‘simple life’ journey and encourage and inspire others to join us on this exciting adventure.
In this together,
fellow mama – Sarah (@thewholehearted.mom)
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