For as long as I can remember, Mark and I have used the term simple in relation to some aspect of our life and personal aesthetic. For us it has always been a way to draw attention to quality over quantity, to enjoy having less amid the cultural tide of wanting more. Simple? Definitely. Easy? Definitely not.
Of all of the modern terms, simple can certainly feel the most complicated and convoluted. Used to describe everything from the way we live, parent, decorate, eat, exercise, and dress, it has become a catch-all term translating to a variety of things depending on those who use it.
For some, simplicity is a way of grassroots living, a homesteading life with clear attachment to food and materials. For others it is an aesthetic of clutter-free living, minimal extras, and clean color palettes, and still for others it is a detachment from home and things altogether, a prioritized way of living in simplicity with God or nature. While I can see bits of each on are own path, the short note is this:
Simplicity is not simple.
Ask a farmer, a minimalist, a monk, an environmentalist, or even another parent. Simplicity requires choice. It requires clear YESes and difficult NOs. For me, this is always the rub. Choosing quality–whether in food or objects or relationships or spiritual life or social commitments or home–always requires an intentional choice. Honestly, sometimes I grow weary or distracted with the process. Sometimes I need a little encouragement or new tactics for a different season of life. Sometimes I need to spend a winter weekend tucked with books that remind me why it’s important.
That was last weekend for me. After breakfast, I made coffee and a snack and headed straight back to my room with Erin Boyle’s new book Simple Matters. Filled with her refreshing writing and images, I have barely put it down since. I was encouraged most by her final words: “we are more than the sum of our possessions; we are more than white-tiled walls.” A hearty yes.
Other resources on simplicity that have encouraged or inspired me recently: this one if you tend to overcommit or struggle saying no; this one for spiritual simplicity; this one for simplifying family life and routines; this one for the honest work of eating locally and more sustainably; and this one of course for tidying. Stay warm, and happy weekend, friends!
Comments
hello! I’ve followed you on instagram for some time now, but only recently visited your blog. I’m curious what the book relating to “simplifying family life and routines” is. I can’t seem to clink on any of the links. would you be so kind as to email me the title of that book? I would greatly appreciate it! thanks so much!
Hi Courtney! I’m so glad you asked, as I have no idea why my links aren’t working currently. The books I was mentioning is Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne. Thank you again. Off to work out the link problem. xx
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I found your blog via IG where the serene light in your pictures caught my attention. I peaked around a bit this afternoon and look forward to more.
Simplicity-it is the cry of my heart. It’s wonderful, beautiful and not easy.
I just had to come by and say how much I agree with you! My husband and I talk often about how often this ‘simple’ life is not very simple. Actually, often it is anything but simple. Homeschooling. Canning. Sewing your own clothes. Raising backyard chickens. Nope – there’s not much simple about any of it. I tend to think DIY is a more fitting description. :) Love your posts!
Thank you, Rachel. It’s so true. There’s a reason culture has shifted toward quantity over quality. Quality generally requires more of us. I’m encouraged by the process any time I see glimmers of fruit, but like the life cycle itself, sometimes it takes a while. It’s good to have encouragements along the way, yes? x
Thanks! I just recently found your blog and I Love it!! Thanks again
What a joy to read this today! Thank you for joining the journey, and welcome!
Love it when you share books!
Love the new header too.
Thank you, Danielle. I realized sometime in the late fall how little I had shared what I’m reading, even though I always enjoy hearing and seeing what others are reading. I hope to bring it into this space more this year. Happy weekend!
Thank you! I have added some of these to my reading list :)
Each of these reads has been so impactful in such a different way. I hope you enjoy them!