as the new year is right around the corner, i have been thinking about some things i want to change for the upcoming months and why i feel called to strive for more simplicity in 2021. i know all the rage recently has been about minimalism, and I'll admit, i'm into it—it's definitely my favorite kind of style and aesthetic. however, as i begin to dig deeper into the concept of being a 'minimalist' and see what the Bible has to say about how we should live, i've found this is something I definitely want to maintain in my life.
as a Christian, i am called to live a life of simplicity and thankfulness, and knowing this, i want to start (and continue) to simplify my life in all areas. leading a simple life has more to do than just getting rid of things, although that can definitely play a part in it. it also plays a role in our thoughts and how we live our lives every single day.
there are specifically three areas where i want to see a change in my own life as i continue to strive toward a more simple way of life, allowing me to focus on the things that really matter. in no way will i ever be perfect, and it will look different for everyone, but every stride in the right direction is positive movement towards in the right direction, which to me, is worth it.
1. we are saving up treasure, either for this temporary life or our future eternal life.
where are we saving our treasure? i think it becomes easy for those of us living in first world countries to be captivated—and even consumed—by material things (guilty of this) and things of this world, whether it be clothing, cars, fame, popularity, status, success, food, number of followers/likes on social media, comfort... the list goes on. every day, we have the choice to ultimately store treasures for ourselves in this world or store treasures in heaven. the beautiful mystery of it all is that God offers a treasure to us that will last forever: a relationship with Jesus. and that, my friends, is amazing; there is nothing worth more than knowing Jesus.
2. we are called to be content.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content... for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils." I Timothy 6:6-10 (emphasis added)
"Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15 ESV (emphasis added)
both of these verses point to many things, but ultimately, it calls us to be content with what we have been blessed with. there is much to be said about someone who is content with what they have. our lives shouldn't revolve around wanting more and more, for that is not why we are here on this earth. our main goal should be to bring glory and honor to God in everything we do. (Matthew 28:18-20) but how can we do these things if we are caught up in always wanting more? and more? let us be content with what we have been given, keeping the focus on Christ and not on possessions.
3. we are called to be thankful.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:9 ESV (emphasis added)
when we have an attitude of gratitude, our perspectives are shifted from self to others. we become more focused on the blessings God has given us, rather than on the things we don't have. let us ask God to reveal these idols in our hearts, the ones that have captured our attention away from Christ, and repent. may we be captivated by Jesus as the new year comes, with all its anticipation and excitement. may we strive to live simpler. it's a process, and definitely doesn't happen overnight, but i think as we realign our perspectives, the easier we can let go of the clutter and things that overtake our homes and hearts. (i wrote this post about simplifying 10 specific areas of your life that might help if you need a place to start.)
the more we choose to live with intention and thankfulness, the more we are freed to focus on the things that truly matter.
◠ because it makes a difference. when i live with intention about what i eat, what i buy, and what i use on a daily basis, my body & mind & mood feel sooo much better.
◠ because companies are sneaky. unfortunately, grocers and stores these days are fiiiilled with everyday products that are marketed to be clean, pure, organic, or botanical, but the ingredients inside would say otherwise. this is called 'greenwashing'—when marketing companies use strategic design (little green leaves, lavender stems, sun rays, ect.) in the branding to make them look natural, but they are actually still filled with subtle & hidden toxic chemicals. this is why it is so important to research the companies you are buying from!
◠ because it’s a health investment. it’s much easier (and better) to keep my body above that wellness line and take preventative measures now, rather than wait and try to fight illnesses when they would come down the road. i'm all about taking preventative measures for myself and my future family instead of waiting for sickness to come.
◠ because there is peace of mind. after doing research, i know that the products i’m bringing into my home are actually clean, plant-based, and pure. i can use them around myself, family, and friends without the fear that unnecessary toxic chemicals are seeping into my home and health.
this wasn’t (and isn’t) an overnight switch—it’s a slow, steady process of choosing better, more sustainable options for my home & health. i’m committed to keep choosing these things, investing now instead of paying later, sharing openly & honestly, and inviting anyone into this process who wants to do the same; i’m right here learning with you.
——
as i'm still discovering all-natural brands to buy from, here are a few of my favorite nontoxic brands that i have found (and love) so far:
what are your favorite nontoxic/natural brands that you love?
i’ve never been one to talk much about the cleaners i use on a daily basis, especially online, but i will forever shout on the rooftops how amazing my thieves cleaner from young living is because it’s just THAT good: ↓ ↓ ↓
1. it smells like fall and all things cinnamon & clove & orange; cue all the cozy vibes. 🍊🍂🍁
2. it cleans everything. like, every single surface in (or outside) the house. from the toilet to the oven to the windows to the carpet to the car to the kitchen table. it even gets wrinkles out of your clothes!
3. it keeps me above the wellness line with its plant-based, oil-infused ingredients. (fun fact: the infused essential oil blend of cinnamon, rosemary, thieves, eucalyptus, lemon, and clove add extra *oomph* to the cleaning properties & double as a really great immune boost for the body. i can clean my home AND boost my immune system at the same time? #winwin. )
4. it gives me peace of mind. when you have a cabinet full of all sorts of cleaners that smell like synthetic fragrances and give you chronic headaches, you can prooobably guess they are doing more harm than good for you, which is so sad because I feel like most of us are just trying to clean our homes in the best way possible so we DON’T get sick. this is why i use and love thieves—i trust young living's seed to seal promise and their integrity to not cut corners or compromise the health of their customers. i know i am investing in my own (and my future family's) health right now and for the future, which is incredibly comforting and empowering.
5. it’s inexpensive. when you break it down, each 16oz. bottle like the one above costs about $1.60. and for an all-natural cleaner?? yep, just the best out there. (for perspective, my one bottle of concentrate has lasted me over a year and it’s still not gone.)
here are my most common (and favorite) ways to use my thieves concentrate:
2. it cleans everything. like, every single surface in (or outside) the house. from the toilet to the oven to the windows to the carpet to the car to the kitchen table. it even gets wrinkles out of your clothes!
3. it keeps me above the wellness line with its plant-based, oil-infused ingredients. (fun fact: the infused essential oil blend of cinnamon, rosemary, thieves, eucalyptus, lemon, and clove add extra *oomph* to the cleaning properties & double as a really great immune boost for the body. i can clean my home AND boost my immune system at the same time? #winwin. )
4. it gives me peace of mind. when you have a cabinet full of all sorts of cleaners that smell like synthetic fragrances and give you chronic headaches, you can prooobably guess they are doing more harm than good for you, which is so sad because I feel like most of us are just trying to clean our homes in the best way possible so we DON’T get sick. this is why i use and love thieves—i trust young living's seed to seal promise and their integrity to not cut corners or compromise the health of their customers. i know i am investing in my own (and my future family's) health right now and for the future, which is incredibly comforting and empowering.
5. it’s inexpensive. when you break it down, each 16oz. bottle like the one above costs about $1.60. and for an all-natural cleaner?? yep, just the best out there. (for perspective, my one bottle of concentrate has lasted me over a year and it’s still not gone.)
here are my most common (and favorite) ways to use my thieves concentrate:
do you use and love thieves? what's your favorite way to use it?
"the point of simple living: a soft place to land,
a wide margin of error, room to breathe."
leo babauta
the new year is almost upon us, which means now is the best time to start thinking about areas of your life to clean up, declutter, and simplify! we only get to celebrate a new year every 365 days, so let's make it worth it.
personal
1. clothing
after a while, it can become easy to let clothes and accessories that you don't *absolutely* love collect dust in the closet. from the change in seasons, growing out of old clothes, fit, styles, or simply forgetting what's there, it is time to sift, sort, and organize. one thing that helps me when simplifying is to put my clothing into categories (workout, loungewear, outerwear, casual, business) and then go through each item i have in those categories, only keeping what i absolutely love/need.
after a while, it can become easy to let clothes and accessories that you don't *absolutely* love collect dust in the closet. from the change in seasons, growing out of old clothes, fit, styles, or simply forgetting what's there, it is time to sift, sort, and organize. one thing that helps me when simplifying is to put my clothing into categories (workout, loungewear, outerwear, casual, business) and then go through each item i have in those categories, only keeping what i absolutely love/need.
something i've always wanted to try is a capsule wardrobe, mostly because having very few items of clothing allows for more money, energy and time to be spent in areas of life with more importance and of higher priority, rather than endless/mindless shopping for unnecessary clothing.
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things to simplify:
1. clothing (including workout, loungewear, outerwear...)
2. shoes (from boots to slip ons and everything in-between)
3. accessories (scarves, hats, jewelry—all the things)
tip: focus on the season you are currently in when simplifying. for example: if it's currently summertime, focus on minimizing just your summer wardrobe. that way, you 1. won't be overwhelmed with bucket loads of clothes and get discouraged/quit. and 2. so you won't throw out a winter coat that you might regret later when the cold temperatures come.
2. beauty
now is the perfect time to go through all of those old/unused products you no longer use.
now is the perfect time to go through all of those old/unused products you no longer use.
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things to simplify:
1. old/unwanted/empty/expired makeup, balms, chapsticks
2. old/unwanted/empty/expired lotions, perfumes
3. old/unwanted/empty/expired shampoos, conditioners, soaps
4. old/unwanted/empty/expired razors, luffas, brushes, combs, styling appliances
life
3. financial
this area of life can be a bit more tedious than others, but still just as important—if not one of the most important. it will give you peace of mind to know your important paperwork, passcodes, and receipts are all up-to-date and in their specified places, for whenever you might need them.
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things to simplify:
1. receipts (throw away the old, file the new in a labeled folder)
2. organize usernames/passcodes in a safe, secure, secret spreadsheet (online and/or printed out)
3. paperwork (file or throw away instead of mindlessly tossing aside for later)
4. update/re-purpose existing items (instead of buying new)
5. discontinue unused services (magazines, newspapers, home phone, netflix...)
6. if you haven't already, create a realistic budget/emergency savings (for peace of mind + frugal spending)
4. update/re-purpose existing items (instead of buying new)
5. discontinue unused services (magazines, newspapers, home phone, netflix...)
6. if you haven't already, create a realistic budget/emergency savings (for peace of mind + frugal spending)
4. spaces
the places + rooms we live in most tend to get pretty full, pretty fast. find a place for everything in your house. if you can't, it might mean you don't need it. it always feels sooo much better when everything is organized and cleaned up, not to mention helping those in need by donating unwanted/unneeded items.
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things to simplify:
1. tables, counters, junk drawers, bulletin boards (clear 'em off + organize)
2. basement/attic/closets (sort through, organize, give away, throw out, recycle)
3. old magazines, newspapers, books (sort through, organize, give away, throw out, recycle)
5. meals
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things to simplify:
1. tables, counters, junk drawers, bulletin boards (clear 'em off + organize)
2. basement/attic/closets (sort through, organize, give away, throw out, recycle)
3. old magazines, newspapers, books (sort through, organize, give away, throw out, recycle)
5. meals
when simplifying areas of our lives, i think this also pertains to the food we put in our bodies. if you plan ahead and set aside some time devoted to your eating habits, it can end up saving you SO much money, time, and energy in the long run (and what could be better than that?!)
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things to remember:
1. buy from your local farmers market (it'll be cheaper + healthier, guaranteed)
2. only buy what you need (aka stick to the list)
3. plan what meals to eat weekly/biweekly (to save time + energy)
4. meal prep your planned meals for the week (to save time + energy)
5. make a recipe book or box of your favorite/go-to meals (for easy access)
6. drink more water (it's good for ya)
7. use reusable bags when buying groceries
tip: don't go grocery shopping when you are hungry, or you'll most likely buy waaay more than what you need.
↓ ↓ ↓
things to remember:
1. buy from your local farmers market (it'll be cheaper + healthier, guaranteed)
2. only buy what you need (aka stick to the list)
3. plan what meals to eat weekly/biweekly (to save time + energy)
4. meal prep your planned meals for the week (to save time + energy)
5. make a recipe book or box of your favorite/go-to meals (for easy access)
6. drink more water (it's good for ya)
7. use reusable bags when buying groceries
tip: don't go grocery shopping when you are hungry, or you'll most likely buy waaay more than what you need.
technology
6. digital/online
do you have little space on your computer? big files taking up too much room? hoarded pictures from years past? unnecessary documents + files? too many bookmarks saved? it's time to simplify. i have (mostly) all my files/folders saved on an external hard drive which saves so much space on my laptop, also allowing it to run faster and more efficiently.
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things to simplify:
1. photos (save + organize or delete)
2. documents (save + organize or delete)
3. unnecessary files (delete, repeat)
4. save files to the cloud or an external hard drive
5. delete unwanted bookmarks/saved pages
6. organize wanted bookmarks/saved pages
7. delete unwanted emails (and unsubscribe from them while you're at it)
8. delete, update, + organize music playlists
7. social
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things to simplify:
1. photos (save + organize or delete)
2. documents (save + organize or delete)
3. unnecessary files (delete, repeat)
4. save files to the cloud or an external hard drive
5. delete unwanted bookmarks/saved pages
6. organize wanted bookmarks/saved pages
7. delete unwanted emails (and unsubscribe from them while you're at it)
8. delete, update, + organize music playlists
7. social
social media can be a great place of inspiration and community, and it should stay that way! unsubscribe to any person or organization who is not a positive influence for your feed/life. REMEMBER: no one is defined by the number of followers of their account. if you are following accounts that are causing jealousy, covetous, comparison, or negativity, now is the time to rid yourself of them.
↓ ↓ ↓
things to simplify:
1. unfollow/unfriend (it's not personal, don't overthink it!)
2. delete apps (those that are unnecessary or taking up space)
3. set aside time to stay off the media (to keep a clear mind + refocus on the present)
4. delete old text messages (that are taking up space)
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things to simplify:
1. unfollow/unfriend (it's not personal, don't overthink it!)
2. delete apps (those that are unnecessary or taking up space)
3. set aside time to stay off the media (to keep a clear mind + refocus on the present)
4. delete old text messages (that are taking up space)
self
8. reflect
each year has its ups and downs, things we have accomplished, and lessons we have learned. reflect back on the good and bad of this past year. make some mental notes of things you want to continue, let go of, or start new.
↓ ↓ ↓
things to do:
1. write down 5 accomplishments of the year (and the steps it took you to succeed them)
2. write down 5 lessons learned or areas of growth of the year (and your takeaways from them)
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things to do:
1. write down 5 accomplishments of the year (and the steps it took you to succeed them)
2. write down 5 lessons learned or areas of growth of the year (and your takeaways from them)
3. post said lists on a vision board or any visible place as frequent reminders as you start a new year
9. plan
any goal that does not have a plan behind itprobably won't get accomplished. prioritize your time to accomplish smaller goals to reach the bigger goal. follow through with your promises, to yourself and others.
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things to do:
1. buy/make a planner, schedule, or calendar
2. plan coffee dates to connect with friends (write down actual dates!)
3. write down upcoming events/appointments/meetings
4. set phone alerts/reminders for said upcoming events/appointments/meetings
any goal that does not have a plan behind it
↓ ↓ ↓
things to do:
1. buy/make a planner, schedule, or calendar
2. plan coffee dates to connect with friends (write down actual dates!)
3. write down upcoming events/appointments/meetings
4. set phone alerts/reminders for said upcoming events/appointments/meetings
10. set *realistic* goals for the new year
strive to take small steps to complete a bigger goal. it will take time to do all of these things. learn from your mistakes, stay focused on the present, give yourself grace when plans change, and take each day as it comes.
↓ ↓ ↓
things to do:
1. write your goals down! (and put the list somewhere visible)
2. share your goals with others (get them excited about it too)
3. have accountability partners (who can help you stay on track)
4. give yourself grace (it's not about perfection, but progression)
↓ ↓ ↓
things to do:
1. write your goals down! (and put the list somewhere visible)
2. share your goals with others (get them excited about it too)
3. have accountability partners (who can help you stay on track)
4. give yourself grace (it's not about perfection, but progression)
"there is beauty in simplicity."
a few of my new year goals:
1. eat more greens; eat less refined sugar
2. drink half my weight in ounces, daily
3. spend less time purposeless scrolling on my phone
4. meal plan for the week on sunday afternoons
5. slowly create a capsule wardrobe for each season
6. get coffee with friends, often
do you set goals for the new year? how are you wanting to simplify your life?
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