In a life that is full of options, it is easy to become overwhelmed and forget what truly matters to you in your own life. After all, we live in a culture where we supposedly get our comfort from an abundance of stuff. In this culture, it is extremely challenging to simplify our life.
Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, do what you need to do, in order to have everything you want. – Margaret Young
I want to inspire you to transform an “ordinary” lifestyle into a living state of grace by choosing quality over quantity so that you are only left with the things you find useful, purposeful and beautiful. I have learnt over the years that the simpler we make our lives, the more abundant they become.
Making an effort to truly focus on what’s important through choosing quality over quantity results in less stress and, paradoxically, a sense of a fuller life. You will find richness and abundance in your life by choosing things, relationships, and experiences that are fulfilling and special, rather than opting for simply more of everything.
Take the time to re-evaluate what matters to you so that when choosing how to spend your moments, money or time, you can fill them with quality instead of quantity. Here are some heartfelt thoughts on how to bring the “less is more philosophy“ into the realm of your own life.
- Eliminate and reduce processed foods and refined sugars and feed your body wholesome foods straight from the earth.
- Remove toxic people and choose to surround yourself with people who are positive, happy, sincere and uplifting. Remember to never make somebody else your priority if you are only an option to them.
- Purchase well-made clothes that suit your figure and embrace your signature style. Invest in a few high-quality items instead of a trunk full of cheap seasonal trends.
- Create a mindful home that is filled with love and heart. Create a safe sanctum that welcomes friends and family. A small and cosy home filled with laughter, fresh flowers and the smell of simmering soup is better than a big sterile mansion that is empty and filled with pizza takeout boxes.
- Take the time to relax and recharge so that you can give people your quality attention and best self.
- Take the time to reconnect with your kitchen and mindfully cook meals that nourish both the mind and the body.
- Be original and authentic, drop fleeting trends and follow your own authentic interests, likes, tastes or beliefs.
- Say less, and listen more. Speak only when you have something worthwhile to say, be sincere and show that you care.
- Savour the moment, for that, is all you have. “Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz.
- When it comes to friends, less is more; choose friends who have your best interest at heart and will be there for you throughout the tough times.
- Become grateful for everything you have in your life; remind yourself daily how blessed your life truly is.
- Entrepreneurs look beyond numbers and statistics. It’s far better to have one loyal customer engaged in what you are doing than 100 customers who don’t care what you have to say.
- Choose the “less is more” philosophy, for when you focus on quality over quantity, you are less overwhelmed, more deliberate, less stressed, and more present. You have had years of living with excess stuff, don’t expect to be able to minimise and refine your life immediately; as with all good lessons, let the nature of this lesson unfold naturally with grace.