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It’s About Time Ruth Wong |
Living simply can
make life much less
complicated
"Furniture! Thank God I can sit and I can stand without the air of a furniture warehouse. ... Indeed, the more you have of such things, the poorer you are." -- Henry David Thoreau
What's your idea of "simplicity"? For me it's Walden Pond in Concord, Mass.
I first visited Walden Pond in 1997. While there, I saw the replica of the 10-by-15-foot cabin that Henry David Thoreau built and lived in for two years, two months and two days as an "Experiment in Simplicity."
In that one-room cabin, Thoreau lived with only a bed, table, three chairs, desk, tongs and an iron for the fireplace, a few utensils, frying pan, skillet and kettle, some books and manuscripts, bedding, clothes, his flute, umbrella and a broom.
I was fascinated by his simple lifestyle. I could see how living so simply gave Thoreau time to keep a journal, explore nature, visit friends and entertain visitors. I envied the freedom he had from possessions and the time he had to pursue his interests.
Last week, I was in Boston and just had to make another pilgrimage to Walden Pond. I needed fresh inspiration to further simplify my home and life.
This time, I spent some quiet time in the cabin. I sat in Thoreau's chair and read pages from his journal, then sat on his bed and contemplated how his simplicity could be relevant to the 21st century.
HERE ARE SOME practical steps to simplify life. I call them the "Three C's for Living the Simple Life":
1. CLEAR out what you don't need, use or love.
It's impossible to live simply when our homes and offices are bulging with too much stuff and when our schedules are crowded with too many obligations.
There is a line between what we need and what we want, between simple and complicated. I encourage you to recognize that line and opt for simplicity.
With the help of an artistic friend, I've simplified the decorative accessories in my living room. I now have groupings and open spaces for the eye to rest. It looks and feels restful, and it's easy to clean and maintain.
Each room in my home needs simplifying. I also realized the need to pare down my wardrobe, cosmetics, linen closet, stationery and tools. Even my laundry products, vitamins and routine tasks could be reduced.
2. Be CONTENT with what you have.
Resist the advertising that says we need more and better gadgets and worldly goods. To be honest, I'm not fully using the objects I already have! The secret is to want less and to use and appreciate what we have.
3. Be CAREFUL of what you acquire and commit to.
From now on, acquire only those things you really love, need and will use.
Strive to say "yes" only to those time obligations that can realistically fit into your schedule.
I once said "yes" to every speaking request, resulting in a complicated schedule. Although I would have liked to present a workshop the week I returned from Boston, I turned down the invitation, knowing from experience that it takes me a while to recover from an East Coast trip.
That was the right decision, as the days after returning did prove hectic. Sometimes we have to say "no" to good and worthwhile things for our mental and physical well-being.
AFTER SPENDING TIME in Thoreau's cabin, I sat on the rock wall overlooking Walden Pond, watching the sunlight dance on the water and the ducks swim by. I felt as if I had stepped off the busy world for a while. Life seemed so simple and peaceful!
For those of you who are tired of living a rushed and cluttered existence, I encourage you to begin your own "Experiment in Simplicity."
Begin to identify and clear out the possessions and obligations that are complicating your life. This is not the easiest thing to do, but it will be time well spent.
At home and at work, your reward will be more freedom to spend your time and talents in new, desirable and meaningful ways.
I think a simpler life is a richer life. See you in two weeks!
"It's About Time," by Ruth Wong, owner of Organization Plus, runs the fourth Friday of each month. Contact her at "It's About Time," care of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813; or e-mail features@starbulletin.com
