Do We Really Want a Simpler Life?

Remember my post on The Simple Life?

The things I listed there were things I have to do on a regular basis to keep my life simplified. However, I often wonder if those of us seeking after simpler lives are truly serious about simplifying things?

Living simply isn't some easy thing you just wake up one day and do. It is a culmination of many, many choices made each and every day. Most of those choices are anything but easy.

Sure we feel serious. We stomp our feet, raise our fist to the wind, and vow to change everything by Friday.

But living simply is not that simple.

How about #8 on my list of How To Simplify...

Rid Your Home of (or at lease keep a tight rein on) Distractions

Now, let's think hard for a second. Are we really willing to get rid of things in our home that distracts us? Or do we kind of like the distraction they create? Is there any distraction we *think* we have a handle on, but we know in the back of our minds we really don't? Are we hanging on to something that is crowding for our attention because we're not sure we can (or want to) do without it?

So, let me ask you this...

Does living simply require sacrifice?

I believe it does. The simple life is the self controlled life.

While simple living is not a God-mandated thing, self control is. I do not believe you can have a simplified life that is not characterized by self-control. Excesses are reined in, distractions are held back, and the important things in life are clear and in focus.

So, take a moment to ask yourself if you really do want a simpler life. Are you willing to sacrifice and practice self-control the over the things that are hindering you from that simple life?

It's not easy and it's not something that happens over night. It's baby steps toward the things that matter and away from the things that don't.

Here's what I'm doing this week to lead a simpler life...

Reading to the children outside in the fresh air.
and
Changing my computer habits.

What are you doing to simplify?

{ps-don't forget to join us for the Creative Writing Crash Course. We'll be taking it at a slow and simplified pace so you can enjoy the ride.}