In the words of Stephen Covey, we should “begin with the end in mind”, so let’s talk about what it means to live a simpler life.
You can’t have it all, but you can find balance by defining your priorities. A big part of this is making an intentional choice about what to walk away from.
Learning to practice self-compassion takes time (I’m certainly a work-in-progress), but it’s worth putting in the effort because it makes a huge difference in the long run. I don’t think you can ever truly simplify your life without it.
Create physical space in your schedule by pausing throughout your day. Before you get out of the car, turn on your computer, or take your first sip of coffee, challenge yourself to sit quietly for just a moment.
This is simple but oh-so-important: prioritise joy in your life. Don’t wait for tomorrow or “someday”. Instead, the time to act is now—keeping in mind that joy can be found in the little things.
Finally, I’ve learned that simple living is the result of hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny decisions. Collectively, these small choices matter more than sweeping changes like a new career or moving home.