Is there one way to simplicity? — There are as many ways as there are people who seek an uncomplicated life.
I would like to engage in the world of what it means to pursue simplicity, and if there is a way to get there — or more accurately, the many paths to getting to the many destinations.
What is Simplicity?
I could not found a single definition of simplicity. My view of a simple life will be different from yours or anyone else’s— and none of us is wrong.
My father told me a story when I was 14 years old and it was about someone living in a very rural zone in South America, with no electricity or running water or television or Internet. They used to wake up every morning to chop wood to burn for heat and cooking. They use water from a close by river for drinking and bathing. Nevertheless, these people were not able to go to town; they were indeed living a simple life. That is a pretty simple by most definitions. However, when I talk about pursue simplicity, I do not mean you need to step away from civilization..
I would like to engage in the world of what it means to pursue simplicity, and if there is a way to get there — or more accurately, the many paths to getting to the many destinations.
What is Simplicity?
I could not found a single definition of simplicity. My view of a simple life will be different from yours or anyone else’s— and none of us is wrong.
My father told me a story when I was 14 years old and it was about someone living in a very rural zone in South America, with no electricity or running water or television or Internet. They used to wake up every morning to chop wood to burn for heat and cooking. They use water from a close by river for drinking and bathing. Nevertheless, these people were not able to go to town; they were indeed living a simple life. That is a pretty simple by most definitions. However, when I talk about pursue simplicity, I do not mean you need to step away from civilization..
I have also seen pictures of rich people and their expensive houses, fully decorated in a very minimalist fashion, but also decorated with expensive furniture. These places are beautiful, and their minimalist interiors are very attractive, but it takes a lot of money to get to that point. In my own humble perspective, this is one kind of simplicity, but of course, it is not for everyone.
I have also seen people who prefer a frugal life for example, re-using plastic bags and bottles, rarely buying new items, making things last as longer, etc. This kind of frugality is one kind of simplicity, and to some extent, I use many of these ideas myself. However, it is not the kind of simplicity for everyone.
Now that I have covered different kinds of simplicity, what is my idea of a simple life? My idea is that I make room in my life for the essentials — the things I love to do and the people I love to be with. I reduce the non-essentials as much as possible, and leave the overwhelmed with tasks and projects life, but has space -- space for what I want to do. So that I can live a peaceful life, move slowly, work happily, and spend time with the people I care the most. You might think that I am living frugally (so that I can work less), or you might think that I sometimes splurge, because life is too short not to enjoy things while you can. The truth is that I find ways to enjoy myself without spending money, but at the same time, I am not afraid to treat my significant others now and then.
Now, I would like to now what is your idea of a simple life.I am positive it is different from mine and that is great! Because we want something that makes sense to each individual person, that fits our personalities and dreams. I would encourage you to think about what your idea of a simple life is and what kind of life you would like to pursue.
Prosper You Through Simplicity
Each person will pursue a different road to get to a simpler life, the question is though, how can we find them? There is no one answer.
This is the time where most people stumble because we must each find our own path. People tend to expect things to fall from the sky, obviously,that is not going to happen, but we can still grab that expectation and transform in to desire. For example, others opinion can be extremely helpful when trying to find your road. I have learned from many people along the way, and in fact, I still learn from all of them each day. I think I learn more from their lives than they learn from mine but that is what makes talking to others a wonderful thing.
My best advice is to think about what you want, why you want it, and when you want it; then figure out a path to get there. From there take the first step. However, this first step is the most important one; I have learned that the more energy you put into your first step the more chances to succeed you have. Because you want to put your very best; this is your decision, this is your life -- don’t play, ACT! Once you have done that, you can worry about the next step. However, the most important thing is to keep an open mind because whatever happens about your first step, that may get to a different destination than you first imagined. As the always say, “One step at a time.”
That said, I would like to recommend some ideas that may help you find ways to improve. These are not to be adopted wholesale, and in fact, some of them contradict each other. This is because they represent different roads, different perspectives — and again, there is no one right choice.I would encourage you to take inspiration from them, get motivated by them to try some out if you like, but please do not take my advice as a life-prescription,these are just words from a 24 years old person, who has lived abroad many times and has experienced several mind-blowing things.
First, take it slowly – it took me some time to learn this. The need to rush to a simpler life or anything else in life has been our constant way of living for the past couple of years. Even though is cliché, I am vehemently against ads promoting how to learn or be anything in minutes. Take deep breaths, and take things ONE STEP a ta time. Baby steps. Enjoying the process is something that you may not be able to comprehend in the beginning – again, baby steps.
Think about who you are. It helps you revitalize yourself when doing some thinking of the things you have done and who have you become.Wipe the slate clean and start from scratch! Now, that might mean moving to a different city or pursuing a hobby. Or, it might mean getting a new job that you love and setting your own schedule around the things you love doing. Or it might mean doing a major change in your life such as getting rid of every unnecessary thing, moving to an exotic country or it could mean just dropping all responsibilities, all attachments except the things you love most.
Always keep in mind what really matters. What is the reason for to simplify? Is it to finally understanding yourself and do the things you really love? Then be sure to identify those things, and remember them during the process. Is it because you think is going to bring you peace and harmony? Then remember that on your way for a more peaceful life.
Gradually adopt changes. As any discipline teach you, if you adopt and learn one small thing at a time, you can make major changes in time,however once you get there it will not seem big at all. Make one small change,learn something new everything and soon that will become a way of life for you.Then make another, and that will become your norm. Every step you take will look small, but they can add up to big progress over months and years.
In conclusion, be your own commander, people seem to be looking for life-coaches, personal trainers, which in my opinion is perfect. Seeking for help should not be seen as a weakness but as strength. I personally admire this and always when in doubt I look for someone to guide me. As Steve Jobs once said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
Hector Quintanilla
I have also seen people who prefer a frugal life for example, re-using plastic bags and bottles, rarely buying new items, making things last as longer, etc. This kind of frugality is one kind of simplicity, and to some extent, I use many of these ideas myself. However, it is not the kind of simplicity for everyone.
Now that I have covered different kinds of simplicity, what is my idea of a simple life? My idea is that I make room in my life for the essentials — the things I love to do and the people I love to be with. I reduce the non-essentials as much as possible, and leave the overwhelmed with tasks and projects life, but has space -- space for what I want to do. So that I can live a peaceful life, move slowly, work happily, and spend time with the people I care the most. You might think that I am living frugally (so that I can work less), or you might think that I sometimes splurge, because life is too short not to enjoy things while you can. The truth is that I find ways to enjoy myself without spending money, but at the same time, I am not afraid to treat my significant others now and then.
Now, I would like to now what is your idea of a simple life.I am positive it is different from mine and that is great! Because we want something that makes sense to each individual person, that fits our personalities and dreams. I would encourage you to think about what your idea of a simple life is and what kind of life you would like to pursue.
Prosper You Through Simplicity
Each person will pursue a different road to get to a simpler life, the question is though, how can we find them? There is no one answer.
This is the time where most people stumble because we must each find our own path. People tend to expect things to fall from the sky, obviously,that is not going to happen, but we can still grab that expectation and transform in to desire. For example, others opinion can be extremely helpful when trying to find your road. I have learned from many people along the way, and in fact, I still learn from all of them each day. I think I learn more from their lives than they learn from mine but that is what makes talking to others a wonderful thing.
My best advice is to think about what you want, why you want it, and when you want it; then figure out a path to get there. From there take the first step. However, this first step is the most important one; I have learned that the more energy you put into your first step the more chances to succeed you have. Because you want to put your very best; this is your decision, this is your life -- don’t play, ACT! Once you have done that, you can worry about the next step. However, the most important thing is to keep an open mind because whatever happens about your first step, that may get to a different destination than you first imagined. As the always say, “One step at a time.”
That said, I would like to recommend some ideas that may help you find ways to improve. These are not to be adopted wholesale, and in fact, some of them contradict each other. This is because they represent different roads, different perspectives — and again, there is no one right choice.I would encourage you to take inspiration from them, get motivated by them to try some out if you like, but please do not take my advice as a life-prescription,these are just words from a 24 years old person, who has lived abroad many times and has experienced several mind-blowing things.
First, take it slowly – it took me some time to learn this. The need to rush to a simpler life or anything else in life has been our constant way of living for the past couple of years. Even though is cliché, I am vehemently against ads promoting how to learn or be anything in minutes. Take deep breaths, and take things ONE STEP a ta time. Baby steps. Enjoying the process is something that you may not be able to comprehend in the beginning – again, baby steps.
Think about who you are. It helps you revitalize yourself when doing some thinking of the things you have done and who have you become.Wipe the slate clean and start from scratch! Now, that might mean moving to a different city or pursuing a hobby. Or, it might mean getting a new job that you love and setting your own schedule around the things you love doing. Or it might mean doing a major change in your life such as getting rid of every unnecessary thing, moving to an exotic country or it could mean just dropping all responsibilities, all attachments except the things you love most.
Always keep in mind what really matters. What is the reason for to simplify? Is it to finally understanding yourself and do the things you really love? Then be sure to identify those things, and remember them during the process. Is it because you think is going to bring you peace and harmony? Then remember that on your way for a more peaceful life.
Gradually adopt changes. As any discipline teach you, if you adopt and learn one small thing at a time, you can make major changes in time,however once you get there it will not seem big at all. Make one small change,learn something new everything and soon that will become a way of life for you.Then make another, and that will become your norm. Every step you take will look small, but they can add up to big progress over months and years.
In conclusion, be your own commander, people seem to be looking for life-coaches, personal trainers, which in my opinion is perfect. Seeking for help should not be seen as a weakness but as strength. I personally admire this and always when in doubt I look for someone to guide me. As Steve Jobs once said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
Hector Quintanilla
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