We live in a world where we are constantly striving and running. Our days are filled with never ending activities; we’re either trying to get to the next place or saving up and working hard to buy the next thing.
There is always something we need that we don’t have, something we have lost that we are trying to recover or a to-do list that is never quite finished at the end of the day.
When a child is born, everyone is so full of joy and happiness for that child, just because the child came into this world, just because the child is here. ‘Congratulations!’ they would say to the parents.
After a while, it would become about milestones: ‘ Is the baby sitting yet? Can the baby walk? What are his first words? ‘ Then it would be about the child starting school. The interest would be in whether the child is doing well at school and what natural talents or extracurricular activities the child excels in.
Then it will become about further education and a career or means of earning an income, getting married and having children.
All these things are great, but in spite of having or along the journey of having these things, there seems to be much more to chase and sometimes it is simply never enough.
Can we slow down, mentally at least, and return to the mindset of having a new-born baby in those first three months: the mindset of joy and gratitude that we are here, on this earth, we are alive, and we are healthy?
We ought to wake up every day filled with joy and gratitude for life, being present on this earth with friends, family and a hope for tomorrow.
This does not mean give up on dreams and ambitions or stop striving for a better life. Let us dream and hope from where we are, from a place of gratitude for what we have.
If you are dissatisfied with your life, take stock of what exactly you are dissatisfied with and why. It could be because of societal pressure to have certain things by a certain age, or from wrong or pointless comparison with people you may never meet on social media or those around you who seem to be in a more advantaged position than you.
It is also likely that you could be dissatisfied because you are unaware of your blessings.
If you must change your life- and you should improve your life, do not settle for stagnation or complacency, strive for growth with the mindset of a tree.
A tree begins as a seed, then turns into a sapling and keeps growing without comparing itself to others, or being worried or panicked when it does not grow or bud as it should.
A tree calmly and peacefully keeps growing using the resources given to it, without wasting precious time on envy or being jealous of other trees, or looking for a shortcut to quicker growth.
Do you really need to go to all the places you go every day, and buy all the things you want to buy? Do you really need a bigger house, another phone, a larger kitchen or more clothes?
Go through your budget, or what you normally spend money on, do you really need three phones or devices? Do you need takeouts every week? Must you get a new pair of shoes? Do you really need to change your hairstyle so often?
Maybe what you need is a lifestyle change, or a lifestyle pause and review. Ask yourself what you need to start doing to not wake up feeling rushed or resentful every morning.
Perhaps you need to be doing less things so you can get to work in a peaceful state. This may require you to go to bed earlier or simply plan your outfit and prepare your hand bag -and your day- the night before.
Do you really need so many supplements, tasty snacks or sugary drinks? Must you watch that much television or be part of so many WhatsApp groups, communities and societies?
Do you really not have time for a stroll, or a cup of tea, a phone call to your loved ones or the luxury of a healthy meal?
Take an honest look at your life and ask yourself, what don’t I need right now? What do I need to stop doing? Who do I need to stop seeing?
You don’t need everything culture says you must have to be happy, if two pairs of sneakers suit your lifestyle, don’t go scrolling on the shopping app for more.
Stop trying to live up to standards in your head that don’t serve you or your wallet, stop trying to live for people’s opinions.
Focus on having the highest, but simplest opinion of yourself. This does not take away dreams or desires, but learn to desire simpler, easier things.
I dare you to go through your cupboard and the activities you do every day and look for least one thing to eliminate, give away, reduce the amount of time spent doing it or stop all together if it is holding you back. No pressure, just do what feels right and by wisdom is best for you.
Please feel free to reach out to me; let me know in the comments how this ‘simplicity challenge’ is working for you.
I would love to hear your views and ideas on living a simpler, healthier and stress-free life. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe.
