Living Simple: Question 5

   Today we continue in our summer series of questions designed to improve your life and get you on the path to living a more intentional, simple life. Today's question is this:

What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?

Wow. Let's really think about this one. Many of us have friends that are kind to us regularly, but what really stands out? Is it something unexpected? Something you couldn't pay back?


     What is it that you remember someone doing for you that really struck you as kind? What made you stop and think, "They really didn't have to go out of their way to do that, but they did." Today I want you to think about the people who have done things for you. Here are some memory joggers:

* Spoke up at work to help you get your job   
* Gave you a ride in an emergency
* Went out of their way to tell you how much you or your friendship means to them
* Gave you a sincere compliment. Not flattery, but found a specific thing you're good at and
   told you about it
* Gave you a place to stay during a time when you had no where else to go
* Allowed you to borrow money ONE TIME when things beyond your control got out of hand
* Did something nice for your kids or family when you had no way to do it for yourself
* Helped you through a rough time, whether at work, with relationships, or when you were down
* Told you the truth, knowing you didn't want to hear it, but it helped you see things for what they
   really are and move forward in a better way
* Helped you with groceries, Held a door open when your hands were full, or like the picture shows,
   shared an umbrella with you on a rainy day
* Sent you a well-timed letter, card, or text when you needed to hear/read it.

 

All of these things are wonderful gifts to give to another - and most of them are free. What if today you made someone's day? Not only would that make you feel good, but it could change the life of someone else! Never underestimate how far something simple can go for someone else.

   Let me wrap up with a quick story. I'll try to keep it brief, just bear in mind it was before we had ever heard of minimalism and living a simple life. We were typical Americans, struggling at the beginning of an economic downturn.

   One time we were beyond broke and the kids were still fairly young. It was about 2 days before Christmas and we had nothing to give our kids since we would probably even fall a bit short on paying our mortgage for the first time ever. Suddenly there was a knock on our door. I opened it to see who it was and no one was there, but they left 2 wrapped gifts and 2 envelopes with our family's name on them. I ran outside to see who could've left them but no one was around anywhere. I brought them inside wondering who could've been so kind to our family when my husband came in less than a minute later. He too saw no one around. When I told him what had just happened, he looked at me in disbelief and said, "You won't believe this, come out to the car with me," Two wonderfully kind ladies at work knew our circumstances (but not because my husband had tried to find pity). They had surprised him by filling our trunk with 3 kinds of every sport ball (we had three kids), games, toys, and a few envelopes. We couldn't believe it! Our kids would have a wonderful Christmas anyway, in spite of our circumstances! When we opened the envelopes of both sets of gifts, some held gift cards for WalMart and Target, others for our local grocery store to buy Christmas dinner. Another held $500 from our mysterious door knocker! It was going to be the worst Christmas ever, but turned out to be the kids' best ever! To this day I wonder who left the first set of gifts, and wonder if any of those involved remember just how big their giving was to a desperate family.

   I'm not saying everyone needs to go all out like that. I'm not saying it's impossible for a group of people to get together to benefit a family in need. What I am saying is to count your blessings, be thankful for what others have done for you, and be that kind of person to someone else. Share the love others have shown for you or your family.

Make it a great weekend.

Living Simple: Question 4

Today's question 4 in our series is:

What challenge do you want to overcome?

If you were to grow as a person, and begin a "new" life starting from where you are right now, what challenge stands in your way? What would you need to overcome to begin the more simple life you always wanted?

     First, do you think you would you need some further education? Maybe you want to be a writer, or start your own business, or live on a self-sustaining farm? You would be wise to get educated on your goal first. This may require going back to school for a few classes, taking some local classes through your public library, finding a mentor who's already doing what you want to do that can teach you how? Maybe you just need to read a few books on the subject. Whatever it is, education can get you where you want to be.

     Next, to begin the simple life you seek, you need to start changing the way you think and do things. Even if you do learn to live a more simple life doing what you love for a living, you need to think differently. You need to believe that since this is who you really are inside, and what you really want deep down, let go of what society says is "success", ignore the "you need this" advertising scams. Believe in being who you are.

    Additionally, you need to give yourself time. Be patient with yourself. You can't change your entire life overnight. There will be ups and downs, but the struggle is what makes you strong, and makes the victory of reaching your destination worth it. Just as a caterpillar struggles to break free of its chrysalis, that struggle is what makes its wings strong enough to fly. If someone were to cut it open thinking they're helping, the butterfly would be weak and die. Allow yourself the time you need.

    And finally, don't forget to enjoy the journey. You will face and meet small goals along the way. You'll stumble and maybe have a few setbacks, but don't give up thinking it will never happen. Believe you can do it, surround yourself with people who will support you in becoming your best YOU. Remember what I always say, "Baby steps, in the right direction, will eventually get you to your destination." Remember that all you deal with will be stepping stones to your perfect life. They will also be valuable lessons that perhaps you can pass on to others seeking a similar journey. Just remember to keep the end in mind. Once you get to your destiny, however long it takes, it will be worth it. You will be living the more simple life you always wanted. You will wake up every day knowing you decided to pursue the life you'll now have. Every day will be filled with whatever you decide to take on. Maybe it's a business, maybe it's to live in the Caribbean, maybe it's to live a minimalist lifestyle to free up time and money for what's most important to you.

Whatever it is, decide today, move in that direction, and create the future you always dreamed of !