Minimalist

Stuff is just that, “stuff”! Becoming more of a minimalist is another thing that has changed in our lives. We look around and see all these things that are just stuff, nothing that we actually need, or that is beneficial. I have never been much for material things, but who doesn’t like something shiny and new? Those things that we really want and we think that once we have them it will bring us joy, that we will be happy, but that feeling goes away rather quickly, doesn’t it?

We have really learned to appreciate all the small things in life and the thoughtful gestures that are not actual things. Being grateful for everything that is right in our lives, despite what may be wrong. The memories that are made every day, the stories we will have been forever. The feeling of being loved, these are the real joys. Being in the presence of people that care about you and that are there to comfort you especially when you need it. Having people in your life that are supportive, even if they do not completely agree with the choices we make. Uplifting and positive people, we all need them and I want to be that person for the ones I care about. It is not a popularity contest, one of my favorite quotes “I would rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies”, so true and I absolutely love that! Who wants 100 friends that are worthless, it’s those few that you hold dear to your heart.

Health is the top priority of things that we absolutely need in our lives, without our health what is anything else really worth? The little choices we make on what to eat and drink, what are really fueling our body with? Whole real foods are the healthiest choices. Simple exercise, enough to get our bodies moving and flowing have such powerful benefits. Although I can say that right now our health routine is not as “easy”. Especially for Todd, that’s a whole separate blog, I know I have shared enough for you to figure that out. The daily routine is quite a lot, but the approaches are natural and simple in that way. Less is more sometimes.

And sure we have only been homeowners since August 2017, and at that time we could not wait to finally make that official. A lot has changed since then and we no longer feel the need to have a home with the high monthly payment. We have a smaller house but it is filled with stuff and space that has to be kept clean and someone’s got to do it (where my OCD kicks in). Why should we have the house payment, car payment, and all the utilities and maintenance that comes with them? In order to pay for all of this most people go to work all day every day and even spend more time at work than they do to enjoy what they are paying for. Then if we are talking any luxury that is just an additional time to be worked to finally get a break and splurge on a fancy dinner, or a week vacation.

We wanted a life with more freedom from the normal 9-5 work week and is why we choose to continue the business full time. However, no one could have planned that shortly after those dreams would be crushed. Things change and new visions are placed, keeping it more minimal than we originally wanted, and that’s ok with us. Sometimes it feels like we are moving backward or standing still, but we try every day to move a little forward and know that right now we need to be where we are to one day we will be where we want. I am looking forward to our future with less to worry about. A more simplified healthier life is what we are striving for. Can you imagine what would simplify your life? In my eyes now there is beauty in simplicity.

Less Stuff = Less Stress (oils do not count, lol)