I have long been intrigued by the concept of simplicity as it relates to a life well lived. Back in March, I began my quest to simplify my parenting style. I wrote my Jerry McGuire-esqueย minimalist manifesto. I read a great book about simplicity parenting and started a simplicity parenting blog carnivalย {the next post of which will take place tomorrow and will discuss productivity, a topic related to today’s post too}. One of the enduring quirks of making our lives simpler has been that simple does not always mean easy; in fact, simplifying is frequently quite the opposite of easy.
While the process may be difficult and ongoing, the results are worth the effort. I find it especially helpful to imagine myself as the architect of our home, designing and overseeing activities, project construction, and the rhythm of our days. Organizing our belongings falls under my purview as well, and although I find the occasional purge of stuff to be cathartic and highly enjoyable, I am also incredulous at the sheer volume of items we continue to accumulate despite my best attempts.
One idea from the Simplicity Parenting book has stuck with me is that there are four main areas (referred to as the “pillars of too much”) in life that we must actively work against if we are to be content and raise content children:
- Too Much Stuff
- Too Many Choices
- Too Much Information
- Too Fast
According to the author, my role as architect is to add space and grace and remove speed, clutter, distractions, and choices. And so today, I am getting ready for yet another children’s consignment sale, at which I will both sell what we don’t need, use, or find beautiful and search for a minimal amount of new items to give to my ever-growing, ever-changing brood.
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| The purgatorial pile of purged apparel. |