/Ss/ is for simplicity
When I first retired four and a half years ago, I felt some degree of anxiety about how I was going to fill my days. Our identity, rightly or wrongly, can become mixed up with our working lives, to the extent that when we stop paid work, we are sometimes left wondering who we are and how we got here!
When I retired I felt blessed that I had my first grandchild to look after once a week and anything else I decided to do revolved around this day. I continued with a small amount of part-time work. I did some further study and began tutoring. I did voluntary work. My family continued to grow and my days became very busy as I put pressure on myself trying to maintain every aspect of a ‘balanced’ life.
When the pandemic first hit and we went into lockdown, I enjoyed the slower pace of life. The downside was I missed the family horribly and it was wonderful once life returned to some normality.
By the end of 2020 we had been blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. Paid and voluntary work continued, hobbies were squeezed into the gaps, and life was hectic to the point where I felt, by the end of 2021, that I needed to make some changes. This has involved a lot of thinking and an assessment of what I value. It has also involved creating opportunities for myself that is allowing me to move towards living the life that I want to live. It has sometimes meant stepping outside of my comfort zone, learning new things and taking risks. At other times it’s been little tweaks that have made a difference.
I am now more aware of my choices in terms of leading a more simple, yet fulfilling life. At times it involves discarding old thoughts and habits and replacing them with different ways of thinking. It involves not comparing my life to others, but being comfortable with the choices made, knowing that they are right for me. The spin off, I hope, will be more confidence and a greater feeling of inner peace.
I read a book recently titled Practising Simplicity by Jodi Wilson. I couldn’t put it down; it really resonated with me. The photos in it were stunning too. It’s the story of Jodi, her husband and their four children who jumped off the merry go round to make time for themselves and their family. Can you imagine bundling up your whole life into a caravan? What would you take? What would you discard? A great read if you’re looking to explore this notion of simplicity.
One practical thing that I’ve found to be very liberating is getting rid of things that I no longer use or need. Most things I’ve been able to donate through our local Buy Nothing page or I have given them to a charity, and it’s great to know that other people will enjoy them. I’ve done heaps of shredding of paperwork that is no longer needed and it’s been good to make space. How cluttered our lives can become!
So how about you? Do you have any thoughts or tips about simplicity and leading a more simple life? Please leave a comment if you do. I’d love to hear from you.
