A Simpler Life Series: Just Be

It takes bravery to be simple.  The internet, our favorite stores, and magazines are filled with so many beautiful things.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s so easy to feel depressed because home and life don’t match the grandiose things I see in other places.  Through A Simpler Life Series, we’ve talked about so many things (like letting in fresh air and eliminating paperwork).  Why not take this week to be thankful for what we do have?  What if we spent just a little time embracing ourselves?

By trying to embrace the life you have instead of focusing on all the things you aren’t and that you don’t have, you can keep a simpler, happier life.  You can begin to feel an appreciation of the natural gifts in your life.  One of the best ways to do this is to go on a walk.  Company is nice.  Being lost in your own thoughts is nicer. 

When I used to walk home from German class, I always listened to audiobooks on my iPod.  Other times, I would be reviewing flash cards.  I thought that I had to multitask and make my walks worth my time.  It’s funny to think back on those walks now.  I was surrounded by German culture, and instead of embracing it, I was listening to English stories.  I wasn’t speaking to people; I was hiding behind a list of words I thought I had to know first.  The day I pulled out my earbuds began the greatest transformation.  I began embracing the simple details of the community around me.

I suppose this point of this article would be a good spot to post a pretty picture.  But as I think about a simple, pleasure-filled life, I don’t think of a simple looking space that has been polished and arranged to look simple.  Sometimes those images only overwhelm my sense of simplicity even more.

Instead all I can think about is these three guys near the UBahn (subway).  This little street bands knows something about happiness.

street-band

Guard what you value, and try to embrace who you are–flaws and all.  So life isn’t perfect.  That doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful.  Think of the beautiful colors the dirty laundry creates on the floor.  Feel the breeze.  Touch the texture on your keyboard.

Promise that you’ll take time today to take a deep breath and savor the simple beauty in your life.  And please, share your thoughts on how you find your happiness and truly Just Be.

If you’d like to read more thoughts on embracing life, you might like these posts:  Get Lost on Purpose and Hold onto the Senses of Smell and Touch.

(Image by Martin for Making This Home)