Sheila D. Boynton, LSW, MDiv, CTCP, CAMS-I

 Hello Soul Family,

As I searched for a particular pair of sneakers to match my outfit, I became sooooo frustrated. Why? Because I had to move about 15 other boxes to look for the right box. Sheila! Who needs all these sneakers, boots, and shoes (I know I’m not alone)?  I started to think about how simple life would be if we did not have an endless pursuit of more—more things, more success, more activities.  In that moment, the concept of simplicity offered a refreshing alternative.

When we embrace simplicity, we find that it reduces stress significantly. With fewer distractions and commitments weighing us down, we can focus on what really matters and the joy it brings into our lives. Moreover, living a simple life often leads to reduced debt because we’re inclined to make conscious choices about our purchases and lifestyle habits. Living a simple life can cultivate financial, emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical freedom from a consumeristic culture.

Let’s explore some of the key benefits of leading a life rooted in simplicity.

1. Simplicity reduces stress: When our lives become cluttered with obligations, possessions, and endless “to-dos,” stress inevitably builds up. Simplifying our lives helps us tune into what’s important and quiets the noise. This reduction can bring a sense of calm and lower anxiety, making it easier to focus on what really matters.
2. Simplicity provides more time for what matters: Every item we own, every commitment we make, and every “yes” we give requires time and energy. A simpler life means fewer of these demands, freeing up more time for people, experiences, and passions we genuinely care about. Whether it’s spending time with family or friends or taking a moment to rest – simplicity allows us to reclaim our time and align with our core values.
3. Financial freedom and mindful spending: When we start prioritizing our needs vs wants, we’ll find that many things we think are so essential are actually distractions or temporary external fixes for an internal problem. Reducing financial stress gives us more freedom to pursue what we really want or need without being a slave to debt.
4. Improved relationships: Simplicity helps us prioritize people over possessions. Then the people in our lives become valued for who they are, not for what they can do or what they own. We have more time and energy to invest in relationships, leading to deeper connections and more meaningful interactions when we keep it simple.
5. Increased happiness and contentment: At its core, simplicity is about contentment. By letting go of the constant pursuit for “more,” we find that happiness can be found in who we are and in the life we already have.  By shifting the focus from material things to experiences, growth, and relationships, we find we are enough and so are the people in our lives

Start with minor changes, like reducing screen time, decluttering, or taking time to pause each day.  You’d be surprised how less becomes more when we return to the simple life – the good old days.  In a world full of distractions, choosing a life of simplicity is one of the most powerful ways to find peace, purpose, and contentment.

JOURNAL PROMPTS: Which commitments are draining me, and how can I reduce them? How can I be more intentional with my time and energy today?

THE SOUL’S CORNER…

• Are You on a Relationship Escalator? Here’s How to Find Out., by Nick Roberts in The Washington Post. 
• Rest and Recovery: Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, or wherever you stream podcasts. 

Thanks for reading The Soul’s Newsletter!