Find Happiness in Simple Living

As summer finally arrives – with its rays of sunshine and warm breeze – I find myself thinking much about legacy, happy living, and simplicity in life. The arrival of grandchildren and watching the next generation navigate life milestones will do that to a person! Summertime brings a fair amount of lounging in the shade alone with my thoughts. Somehow in these moments I see reflections of my parenting efforts manifest in the manner my own children live their lives. It’s a beautiful thing!

Part of simple living, for me, is ensuring I have “space” in which to live. In this sense, I am referring to space in the form of physical space, available time, boundaries relationally. For many people, spring cleaning and the efforts to purge our homes of things no longer needed, is a ritual and regular practice for addressing our physical spaces. Simple living includes setting boundaries with regard to our time. I’ve learned to embrace setting clear boundaries in how I spend my time and with whom. I love to talk with people and engage socially so saying “no” to invites can be a difficult decision. At the same time, the activities I do choose to participate in and the people I choose to spend time with, create memorable and meaningful experiences. I find, increasingly as the years go by, that spending time in quiet repose fully savoring the simple pleasures of a moment, is fulfilling and makes me happy.

Our experiences create the stories in our life biography. This is connected to legacy. This summer I am paying particular attention to the various spaces in which I live, work and play. And I celebrate the various experiences that shape my understanding and give life to my legacy. A quote that reminds me of the theme for this months’ inspiration: “Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” Live simply, live fully and find your happiness through simplicity of living!