The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A persistent simplification will create an inner and outer well-being that places harmony in one’s life.” Peace Pilgrim
I think deep down many of us believe a simpler life would be a happier life. Less worry, less struggle, fewer possession and fewer appointments all sound appealing. Why then, do we struggle so much when it comes to simplifying our lives? What makes us so afraid to walk away from the clutter in our lives, whether it be too much stuff, too many activities, or a relationship that is no longer working? We each have to find our own answers.
I have a plaque in my office that reads, “Simplify.” I’ve had that thing for years, but I haven’t truly heeded its message until today. You might think what I did to simplify is silly, but I’ll share it with you anyway.
Today I went to church totally NAKED! That’s right, I wore absolutely NO MAKEUP! I know that sounds like a silly way to simplify, but it simplified my morning and helped me realize what’s most important about me, and it’s just me 🙂
When I was about to put my makeup on this morning, something I dread every time I do it, I had the thought, “What if you just skipped the makeup today? Forever?” The thought terrified me at first until I realized as a fitness instructor, I’m without makeup most of the time. Shock of all shocks, people still come to my classes! They don’t run screaming in horror when they see me. They don’t come for made up Lori’s class, they just come to Lori’s class.
The more I thought about it, I realized people come not to see me or my face, but to share the same space with me for a while because they appreciate me and what I do. Somehow what I do adds some value to their lives. I like that idea because that’s why I do what I do. I love people! I don’t love them for how they look, or how much they have, I love them for who they are and how they enrich my life. It is my sincere desire that I can enrich as many lives as possible each day through my love of fitness and people.
As I was thinking of things that enrich my life, makeup was nowhere on the list. Furthermore, there are other things in my life that aren’t enriching it. Giving up the makeup was just the beginning for me. Look out world! There’s no telling what I’m going to accomplish the more I simplify. I’ll be able to focus on the truly important things in life.
How about you? What is something in your life that is not adding true value and meaning? What are you holding on to for the sake of appearances or what someone else might think? What is taking away from your focus? You may not choose to go naked as I did, but what is another way you can “strip” something unnecessary from your life? What’s stealing your joy, your precious time, and your focus? Let it go. Simplify.
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