Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.-Leonardo da Vinci
How much do we love this quote? Simplicity and sophistication together is like perfection. I'm counting on this quote to keep me motivated and focused on the task at hand in the new year - SIMPLICITY. I have resolved to simplify. Not talk about simplifying or toy with the idea of simplification. Nope, to JUST DO IT. But please don't mistake this as a New Year's Resolution because I don't believe in those. Swore them off years ago. This is a decision I just happened to make at the beginning of a new year. Strictly coincidental. What I'd love for someone to explain to me is this: Why is it so darn complicated to simplify?
Here's the thing. I'm just an ordinary woman with extraordinary dreams in my heart. I've always lived by the mantra, "Go big or go home!" Admittedly, this has created stress in my life that might otherwise be avoided. For example, birthday parties in my home do not consist of party hats, cake, and a few candles. Oh no, no, no. We're talking fully themed bashes, from the last carnival game to the tiniest live ladybug. Bells and whistles, that's my middle name. Make no mistake - I enjoy the planning and the ooooo's and ahhhhhh's of the guests as they enjoy the extravaganza that may have been months in the making. But at some point, the anxiety creeps in and I wonder why I seek to add more chaos to an already chaotic life. Why can't I just simplify? While it may not be birthday parties, you undoubtedly have an area in your own life where you've wondered the same thing. While I'm far from mastering this skill, I'm learning. Why not take the journey with me? It's a process and it takes effort. Like on a daily basis, and at times, an hour-to-hour basis! Maybe it means you repeat it over and over in your head like a crazy person (yes, I do this). Or perhaps you enlist the help of your best friend to keep you in check. Chances are, she'll ask you to return the favor! If you're visual by nature, go to Hobby Lobby and pick up one of those cutesy signs to hang on the wall: SIMPLIFY. I have one in my pantry! Whatever method does the trick for you, go with it and let the simplification begin. Dig deep and figure out what areas of your life have been controlling you and take the control back. Guess what? It feels incredible and before you know it, you'll be a skilled simplify-er. Okay, that's not a word, but you get the picture.
Happy simplifying!
