Choosing Simple

 

Last week I read a post from Erin at Simply Purposeful Living, and it has rooted deeply in my mind. I want to share it with you today.

                She said, “More and more influencers are moving to the country for a slower pace of life, and between me and you – it made me realize something. We all crave nostalgia. Quiet. Simplicity. Some people even sell everything and move in search of it. But here’s what I’ve learned: busy will find you anywhere.

“I live in a small ‘quiet’ town and my own fire pit was more idea than experience. Our front porch went unused. We had the ‘stuff’ of leisure but not the practice of it. Slowing down takes work, right? No one ever tells you that. It’s not passive – it’s a choice that you make over and over again.

“But here’s why it matters: Those intentional moments are the ones that always make it into my gratitude journal. I never write ‘scroll social media.’ Not once. But when I choose to go on a bike ride, or sit by the fire, or go to dinner with friends – I write it down every time. And maybe that’s the secret.

“My gratitude journal doesn’t just record what fills me with joy – it shows me the map. It reminds me where my joy actually lives so I can choose it again on purpose.”

                I have thought about that quote every single day since I read it. (And it’s a long quote to consider!)

                To have “the stuff of leisure but not the practice of it…” presses on my heart. How many of us spend hours upon hours creating a haven for ourselves, but then we never practice enjoying that haven?

                Ryan and I worked intentionally this summer to make time to enjoy our little corner of the lake. We made time for boat rides and sunset strolls and bike rides and picnics and pretty flowers. It’s been one of my favorite summers for that very reason, and I hope that practice continues into fall. After all, it should be more palatable to sit outside in the cooler weather!

                I want to choose…again and again…simplicity. Books instead of scrolling. Sitting instead of stressing. Talks instead of TV. Busy really will find me anywhere. It’ll find me everywhere. The choice for my time is mine.